The basic steps to reset your Forester's clock

On most Subaru Foresters, you change the clock through the instrument cluster display using the steering wheel controls. Press and hold the SEL/RESET button on the left side of the steering wheel until the clock display begins to flash. Once it flashes, use the up and down arrow buttons on the same stalk to adjust the hours, then press SEL/RESET again to move to the minutes and adjust those the same way. Press SEL/RESET once more to save and exit.

The exact location of these controls and the number of button presses needed varies slightly between model years. A 2020 Forester uses the same basic method as a 2015 model, but the steering wheel button layout may differ. If your Forester has a touchscreen infotainment system, you may also have the option to adjust the clock through the settings menu on that screen instead of using the steering wheel buttons.

The process takes less than a minute once you locate the right buttons. If you have not adjusted your clock before, the first time may feel awkward because the buttons are small and the display changes quickly. Keep the owner's manual in your glove box so you can reference it if you forget the sequence.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Foresters use the SEL/RESET button on the left steering wheel stalk to enter clock adjustment mode, then the arrow buttons to change hours and minutes.
  • The clock display must be flashing before you can change the time; press and hold SEL/RESET until you see the flash.
  • Model years 2015 and newer follow the same basic process, though button positions on the steering wheel may vary slightly.
  • If your Forester has a touchscreen, you can often adjust the clock through the infotainment settings menu as an alternative to using steering wheel controls.

Locating the clock controls on your steering wheel

The SEL/RESET button sits on the left side of the steering wheel, typically on the lower spoke. It is a small, recessed button that you press with your thumb while gripping the wheel. On some Foresters, this button is labeled; on others, you will need to feel for it or check your manual to confirm its position.

The up and down arrow buttons are located on the same stalk, usually just above or below the SEL/RESET button. These arrows control the display and allow you to scroll through menus and adjust values. They are easier to locate than the SEL/RESET button because they are slightly larger and more prominent.

If you cannot find these buttons on your steering wheel, your Forester may have a different control layout. Foresters from 2019 onward sometimes moved these functions to a different location or added a touchscreen option. Your owner's manual will show you exactly where these controls are on your specific model year.

What to do if the clock display does not flash

If you press and hold SEL/RESET and the clock does not begin to flash, you may be holding the button for too short a time. Try holding it for a full three to five seconds without releasing. Some Foresters require a longer press than others, and the display may take a moment to respond.

Another possibility is that you are pressing the wrong button. Double-check that you are using the button on the left side of the steering wheel, not the right side. The right side typically controls audio or cruise control functions, not the clock. If you are still unsure, consult your owner's manual or look at the button labels if they are printed on your wheel.

If the clock display still will not flash after several attempts, try adjusting the clock through your infotainment touchscreen instead. Navigate to the settings or system menu and look for a time or clock option. This method works on most 2019 and newer Foresters and bypasses the steering wheel controls entirely.

Adjusting hours and minutes separately

Once the clock display is flashing, the hours field will be highlighted first. Use the up arrow to increase the hour or the down arrow to decrease it. The hour will cycle from 1 to 12 if your Forester is set to 12-hour time, or from 0 to 23 if it is set to 24-hour time. Keep pressing the arrow until you reach the correct hour.

After you have set the hour, press SEL/RESET once to move to the minutes field. The minutes will now be highlighted and flashing. Use the same up and down arrows to adjust the minutes. Most Foresters increment by one minute per button press, so if you need to move the time forward by 15 minutes, you will press the up arrow 15 times. Some models allow you to hold the arrow button to scroll faster through the minutes.

Once the minutes are correct, press SEL/RESET one final time to save your changes and exit the clock adjustment mode. The display will stop flashing and return to normal, showing your new time. If you made a mistake, you can start over by pressing and holding SEL/RESET again.

Using the touchscreen to change the clock on newer models

If your Forester has a touchscreen infotainment system, you can often bypass the steering wheel controls and adjust the clock directly through the menu. Look for a settings icon, usually represented by a gear or wrench symbol, on the main screen. Tap it to open the settings menu.

Once in settings, scroll down or look for a section labeled System, Time, or Clock. Tap that option to open the time adjustment screen. You will see fields for hours and minutes that you can tap to edit. Use the on-screen keyboard or arrow buttons to change the values, then confirm your changes by tapping a save or OK button.

The touchscreen method is often faster and more intuitive than using the steering wheel buttons, especially if you are adjusting the time by more than a few minutes. However, not all Foresters have this feature, and some models require you to use the steering wheel controls even if a touchscreen is present. Check your owner's manual to see which method applies to your vehicle.

When to adjust your Forester's clock

You will need to adjust your clock twice a year if your region observes daylight saving time. In the United States, clocks move forward one hour in March and back one hour in November. Many drivers adjust their car clocks on the same day they change their home clocks, making it part of a routine.

You may also need to adjust the clock if your Forester's battery was recently disconnected or replaced. When the battery is disconnected, the clock resets to a default time, usually 12:00. After a battery service, check your clock and reset it to the correct time before driving.

Some Foresters have a feature that automatically adjusts the clock if your vehicle is connected to a smartphone or infotainment system that receives time data. If your clock seems to change on its own, this automatic adjustment may be enabled. You can usually turn this feature off in the settings menu if you prefer to set the time manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Forester clock keep resetting to the wrong time?

If your clock resets after you turn off the engine, your battery may be weak or disconnected. A failing battery cannot hold the clock setting in memory. Have your battery tested at a service center. If the battery is fine, the clock module itself may be faulty and need replacement by a Subaru dealer.

Can I change the clock from 12-hour to 24-hour time?

Yes, most Foresters allow you to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats through the settings menu. On the touchscreen, look for a time format or display option in settings. On older models with steering wheel controls, you may need to consult your owner's manual for the specific button sequence to change the format.

What if I cannot find the SEL/RESET button on my steering wheel?

Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your model year, as button placement varies. If you have a touchscreen, use that method instead. You can also contact a Subaru dealer or service center, and they can show you where the button is located during your next visit.

Does the clock adjust automatically when I cross time zones?

No, your Forester's clock does not automatically adjust for time zones. You must change it manually or through the touchscreen. If your vehicle is connected to a smartphone with GPS, some infotainment systems can sync the time automatically, but this is not standard on all Foresters.