The quickest way to set the time on your Forester's dashboard clock

On most Subaru Foresters, you change the clock using the MENU button on the steering wheel and the +/− buttons next to it. The exact steps depend on whether your Forester has a basic analog clock, a digital display in the instrument cluster, or an infotainment system with a touchscreen. All three methods take less than a minute once you know where to look.

The steering wheel controls are designed so you never have to take your hands off the wheel. If your Forester is older than 2010 or has a very basic dashboard, you may have a clock that requires a different approach — we cover that below.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the MENU button on your steering wheel, then use the +/− buttons to navigate to the clock setting and adjust the hours and minutes.
  • If your Forester has a touchscreen infotainment system, you can also access the clock through the Settings menu on the display itself.
  • Daylight saving time changes require you to manually adjust the clock — Subaru does not automatically update it.
  • If you have an older Forester with an analog clock only, you will need to reach the clock itself and adjust it by hand, which usually means removing the instrument cluster cover.

Setting the clock on Foresters with steering wheel controls (2010 and newer)

Most Foresters from 2010 onward have a MENU button on the left side of the steering wheel, with + and − buttons just below or beside it. This is the fastest way to change the time while driving.

Press MENU until you see "Clock" or "Time" appear on your instrument cluster display. Then press + to move forward through the hours and − to move backward. Once the hour is correct, press MENU again to move to the minutes, and repeat with + and −. Press MENU one more time to save and exit. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

If you do not see a clock option in the MENU, your Forester may have a touchscreen system instead — skip to the next section.

Changing the time through the infotainment touchscreen

Newer Foresters with a center touchscreen (usually 2016 and later) let you set the clock through the Settings menu. Touch the Settings icon on your home screen — it usually looks like a gear or wrench.

Look for "Date & Time" or "Clock" in the Settings menu. Select it, then choose "Manual" if the system offers automatic time updates. Tap the hour field, use the on-screen + and − buttons or the number pad to enter the correct hour, then do the same for minutes. Confirm and exit. Some systems sync the time to your phone if you have Bluetooth connected, so check whether that is turned on if the time keeps changing on its own.

Adjusting for daylight saving time

Subaru does not automatically shift the clock forward or backward when daylight saving time begins or ends. You will need to manually change it twice a year — once in March when clocks spring forward, and once in November when they fall back.

Use whichever method your Forester has (steering wheel controls or touchscreen) to add or subtract one hour. Mark the date on your calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not forget. Some newer infotainment systems allow you to turn on automatic updates if you connect to a smartphone that has the correct time, but this is not a standard Subaru feature.

Older Foresters with analog clocks only

If your Forester is older than 2010 and has only a traditional analog clock face on the dashboard with no digital display, you will need to adjust it by hand. The clock is usually mounted in the instrument cluster, and reaching it requires removing the cluster cover or the entire cluster itself.

The safest approach is to consult your owner's manual for the exact removal steps for your model year — they vary. Once you can see the back of the clock, look for a small knob or stem. Gently pull it outward and turn it clockwise to move the hour hand forward or counterclockwise to move it backward. Push the knob back in when you are done. If you are not comfortable removing the cluster, a Subaru dealer or independent shop can do this in about 15 minutes.

Troubleshooting: clock keeps resetting or showing the wrong time

If your clock resets to 12:00 or an incorrect time every time you turn off the engine, your battery may be disconnected or weak. The clock relies on a small backup battery in the infotainment system to keep time when the car is off. A dead or dying main battery can also cause this.

Check that your car battery is in good condition and fully charged. If the battery is fine but the clock still resets, the infotainment system itself may have a fault. This is rare, but if it happens, a Subaru dealer can diagnose it. Do not attempt to replace the infotainment system yourself — it requires reprogramming to your vehicle.

When to call a Subaru dealer

You can handle the clock adjustment yourself in almost every case. Call a dealer if the clock display is broken or cracked, if the touchscreen is not responding to your taps, or if the steering wheel buttons are not working. You should also reach out if the clock keeps resetting even after you have confirmed the battery is healthy.

A dealer visit for a clock issue alone usually costs between a diagnostic fee (typically $100 to $150) and a replacement part if needed. For older Foresters where you are uncomfortable removing the instrument cluster, a dealer can do it quickly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Forester clock reset when I turn off the engine?

The clock uses a backup battery to keep time when the car is off. If it resets to 12:00 every time, your main car battery is likely weak or disconnected. Check your battery terminals for corrosion or looseness, and have the battery tested if the problem continues.

Can I set the clock to 24-hour time instead of 12-hour?

Some Subaru infotainment systems offer a 24-hour time format in Settings, but not all do. Check your Settings menu under "Date & Time" or "Clock" to see if the option is available. If it is not listed, your Forester is set to 12-hour format only.

Does the clock automatically update when I cross time zones?

No. Subaru clocks do not automatically detect time zone changes. You will need to manually adjust the time when you travel. Some newer infotainment systems can sync to your phone's time if Bluetooth is connected, which will update automatically if your phone recognizes the new time zone.

What if the steering wheel buttons do not work?

If the MENU, +, or − buttons are not responding, they may be stuck or the steering wheel control module may have failed. Try pressing them firmly a few times. If they still do not work, use the touchscreen Settings menu instead if your Forester has one. If neither method works, contact a Subaru dealer for diagnosis.