Where to find the clock controls on your dashboard

The clock in your Subaru Forester sits in the center of your instrument cluster, just above the steering wheel. On most Foresters from 2009 onward, you adjust it using buttons on the steering wheel itself — specifically the left side of the wheel, where you'll find a small cluster of controls. Look for buttons labeled with plus and minus symbols, or arrows pointing up and down.

If your Forester has an infotainment screen (the touchscreen in the center console), the clock may also appear there, and you can adjust it through the screen's menu system. The exact location depends on your model year and whether you have a basic radio or a more advanced system like Subaru's Starlink.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Foresters use steering wheel buttons on the left side to adjust the clock — hold the button down to move through hours and minutes quickly.
  • You must turn the ignition to the "On" position (without starting the engine) before the clock controls will respond.
  • If your Forester has a touchscreen, you can also access the clock through the settings menu and adjust it there instead.
  • Daylight saving time changes require manual adjustment on most Forester models — the clock does not update itself automatically.

Using the steering wheel buttons to set the time

Turn your ignition key to the "On" position or press the start button once without depressing the brake pedal. The dashboard lights will come on, but the engine will not start. This powers the clock controls.

Locate the left side of your steering wheel. You should see a small pad with buttons — usually marked with plus and minus symbols or up and down arrows. Press and hold the upper button (or the button marked with a plus or up arrow) to advance the hours. The clock will jump forward in one-hour increments at first, then move faster if you keep holding it down. Release when you reach the correct hour.

Once the hour is set, press and hold the lower button (minus or down arrow) to adjust the minutes. Again, it will move slowly at first, then accelerate if you hold it. Release when the minutes match the correct time. Some Foresters cycle through minutes in five-minute increments, while others move one minute at a time.

Adjusting the clock through your infotainment screen

If your Forester has a touchscreen display in the center console, you can set the clock there as well. Turn the ignition to "On" and look at the screen. Tap the "Settings" or "Setup" icon — this is usually a gear symbol or wrench icon in the main menu.

Navigate to "Clock" or "Time" settings. You should see fields for hours and minutes. Tap the hour field and use the on-screen plus and minus buttons to adjust it, then do the same for minutes. Some systems let you type the time directly if the screen supports it. When you're finished, confirm your changes — usually by tapping "OK" or "Done."

This method is slower than the steering wheel buttons but can be easier if you have trouble locating or using the wheel controls. Both methods adjust the same clock, so you only need to use one.

What to do if the clock resets or won't hold the time

If your clock keeps resetting to 12:00 or a wrong time every time you turn off the engine, your Forester's battery may be disconnected or dying. The clock is powered by a small backup battery that keeps it running when the main engine is off. A weak or dead battery will cause the clock to lose its setting.

Check your battery terminals under the hood — they should be clean and tight. If the terminals look corroded (white, blue, or green crusty buildup), disconnect the negative terminal, clean both terminals with a wire brush, and reconnect. If the battery is more than three to five years old, it may straightforward need replacement.

If the clock still won't hold time after checking the battery, the clock circuit itself may be faulty. This is rare but does happen. A Subaru dealer can diagnose this, though it usually requires a service visit.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

Most Subaru Foresters do not automatically adjust for daylight saving time. You will need to manually change the clock twice a year — forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall. Some newer models with GPS-enabled infotainment systems may update automatically, but this is not standard across all Foresters.

Check your owner's manual or your specific infotainment system's settings to see if automatic time adjustment is available. If it is, there should be a toggle in the clock or settings menu labeled "Auto Update," "GPS Time," or "Network Time." Turning this on will sync your clock to the correct time based on your location.

Troubleshooting common clock adjustment problems

If the steering wheel buttons don't respond when you try to adjust the clock, make sure the ignition is in the "On" position, not "Acc" (accessory). The "Acc" setting powers some features but not the clock controls. Turn the key or press the button one more time to reach "On."

If the buttons respond but the clock doesn't change, try holding the button down for a full three seconds. Some Foresters require a longer press to set up the adjustment mode. If nothing happens after that, the button itself may be stuck or the clock circuit may have failed — this requires a dealer visit.

On touchscreen systems, if the clock settings are grayed out or won't respond to taps, restart the infotainment system by turning the ignition off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on. If the screen still won't let you adjust the time, the system may need a software update or service.

When to contact a Subaru dealer

You can handle clock adjustment yourself in almost every case. However, contact a Subaru dealer if the clock won't hold time even after you've checked the battery, if the steering wheel buttons or touchscreen controls don't respond at all, or if the clock display itself is cracked or dark.

A dealer can run diagnostics to check the clock circuit, update your infotainment software if needed, or replace the clock module if it has failed. This is not an emergency repair — your Forester will run fine without a working clock — but it's worth addressing if you rely on the dashboard time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the clock while driving?

Yes, you can use the steering wheel buttons to adjust the clock while the engine is running and the car is in motion. However, it's safer to pull over or adjust it before you drive. Touchscreen adjustments should only be made when parked, as they require more attention.

Why does my clock show the wrong time after I replace the battery?

When you disconnect the main battery to replace it, the backup battery that powers the clock also loses power. You'll need to reset the time after the new battery is installed. This is normal and not a sign of a problem.

Does the clock adjust automatically when I cross time zones?

Not on most Foresters. You'll need to manually adjust it. Newer models with GPS-enabled systems may update automatically if that feature is turned on, but check your owner's manual to confirm whether your specific year and trim level has this capability.

What if my Forester has a digital clock I can't find buttons for?

Some older Foresters (pre-2009) have clocks built into the radio unit itself. Look for small buttons directly on the radio faceplate, usually labeled "H" and "M" for hours and minutes. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location and method for your model year.