Wouldn't disconnecting the battery disarm the airbag making the operation of changing the cruise control switch much safer?

 

You disconnect the battery and turn the key on for a minute that will discharge the stored energy for the airbag.

 

The SRS system needs to be deprived of power for AT LEAST five minutes to fully discharge. (in the service manual.)

 

I was told by a mechanic that after disconnecting the battery touch the positive and negative terminal together to discharge any electricity left in the wiring.

 

I am not a fan of that particular exercise. Sure, it will discharge residual voltage in most places, but, not the DERM. (digital energy reserve module) That's the part that actually fires the air bag..... Time is the only sure way to be safe here. Air bags can kill.