The fastest way: use the steering wheel buttons

On most Subaru Foresters from 2009 onward, you change the clock using the buttons on the steering wheel, not a menu buried in the dashboard. Look for the up and down arrow buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, usually near your thumb. These same buttons control audio volume, but they switch functions when you press the center select button (the round button in the middle of those arrows) while the ignition is on but the engine is off.

Press the center select button once. The display should show "CLOCK" or a clock icon. Now the up and down arrows control hours and minutes instead of volume. Press up to increase the hour, down to decrease it. After you set the hour, press the center button again to move to minutes, then use the arrows the same way. When the time is correct, press the center button once more to lock it in. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the left steering wheel arrow buttons and the center select button to change the clock; the ignition must be on but the engine off.
  • Press the center button until the display shows "CLOCK", then use up and down arrows to set hours and minutes.
  • On 2009–2016 models, the clock display appears in the instrument cluster; on 2017 and newer, it shows in the infotainment screen.
  • If your Forester has no steering wheel buttons, the clock may be set through a physical knob on the dashboard or through the main infotainment menu.
  • The clock resets when the battery is disconnected, so you will need to set it again after a battery replacement or disconnect.

Where to find the clock display on your dashboard

The location of the clock changes depending on your model year. On 2009–2016 Foresters, the clock sits in the instrument cluster — the panel directly behind the steering wheel where your speedometer and fuel gauge are. It is usually a small digital display in the center or upper right of that cluster. On 2017 and newer models, the clock moved to the infotainment screen at the top of the center console, the same screen that shows radio stations and navigation.

Knowing which display you have matters because it tells you which buttons to use. If you see the clock in the instrument cluster, use the steering wheel buttons. If the clock is on the infotainment screen, you may also have a physical knob or touchscreen option, depending on whether your Forester has the basic audio system or the larger touchscreen unit.

Using the infotainment screen on newer models

On 2017 and newer Foresters with the larger touchscreen, you can also set the clock through the menu system. Press the Menu button on the infotainment screen (usually in the lower left corner), then scroll to "Settings" or "System Settings". Look for a "Clock" or "Time" option. Tap it, and you will see fields for hours and minutes. Use the up and down arrows on the screen or the knob on the left side of the unit to change each field.

This method is slower than the steering wheel buttons, but it is useful if the steering wheel controls are not working or if you prefer to see what you are doing on a larger display. Either method — steering wheel or screen — will set the same clock, so you only need to do it once.

What to do if the clock keeps resetting

If your clock resets to 12:00 or an incorrect time every time you start the car, the battery connection may be loose. The clock is powered by the car's battery, and a weak or disconnected battery will erase the time. Check under the hood to see if the battery terminals are tight. If they are loose, use a wrench to tighten the bolt on each terminal — the positive (red) terminal first, then the negative (black) one.

If the battery terminals are tight and the clock still resets, the battery itself may be failing. A battery that cannot hold a charge will not keep the clock running when the engine is off. You can test this by turning on the headlights with the engine off; if they are dim or flicker, the battery is weak. A new battery usually costs between $100 and $200 installed at a shop, and it will solve the clock reset problem.

Older Forester models with a manual clock knob

On some 2008 and earlier Foresters, the clock may have a small knob or dial on the dashboard itself, usually to the left or right of the steering wheel. This knob is separate from the radio controls. To change the time, turn the knob clockwise to move the clock forward or counterclockwise to move it backward. You may need to pull the knob outward slightly before it will turn, depending on the model.

This method is the simplest because it requires no button sequences or menu navigation — just turn and release. However, it is also the least precise, because the knob does not have click stops for each minute. If your Forester has this type of clock, set it as close as you can by eye, then use the steering wheel buttons (if your model has them) to fine-tune the minutes.

Why the clock matters and when to reset it

The clock on your Forester is useful for tracking time while driving, especially on long trips or when your phone is out of reach. It also appears on the infotainment screen alongside other vehicle information, so an incorrect time can make the display look wrong even if the radio and navigation are working fine. Most drivers reset the clock twice a year — in spring when daylight saving time begins and in fall when it ends — and after any battery work.

If you are having trouble seeing the clock display while driving, make sure the brightness of the instrument cluster is set high enough. On most Foresters, you can adjust this with a dial on the left side of the steering wheel column, or through the Settings menu on the infotainment screen. A brighter display makes the clock easier to read at a glance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the engine to change the clock?

Yes. The ignition must be on (so the electrical system is powered) but the engine must be off. If the engine is running, the steering wheel buttons will control the radio volume instead of the clock. Turn the key to the "On" position without starting the engine, or press the start button once without pressing the brake pedal.

What if the steering wheel buttons do not work for the clock?

Try using the infotainment screen menu instead. Press Menu, go to Settings, and look for Clock or Time. If neither method works, the steering wheel control module may be faulty and will need diagnosis by a Subaru dealer. In the meantime, you can still see the current time on the display even if you cannot change it.

Will changing the clock affect my radio presets or navigation?

No. The clock is a separate system from the radio and navigation. Changing the time will not erase any saved stations, contacts, or routes. Your settings will remain exactly as they were.

How do I change the clock if my battery just died?

After a new battery is installed, set the clock the same way you normally would — using the steering wheel buttons or the infotainment menu. The clock will have reset to a default time (usually 12:00), so you will need to enter the correct time. This is normal and takes less than a minute.