2019/2020/2021 Subaru Forester How To: All The Buttons!

[@johnjoseph2657]

Thanks Robert, I very much appreciate all this great info. I haven't bought a new car in 20 years so trying to learn all about my new Forester is a bit overwhelming. This video helps so much.

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad to hear John! If you have any specific questions just let me know.

[@blessingluu517]

Thank you and thank you! My head was exploding at the dealership. This is a nice recap!

[@JohnHodgens]

Me, too. We’ve had this car for 9 months. Thank you!

[@hexvenus]

Thank you so much for this video! I've just purchased a used 2020 Forrester and it didn't come with the books. This has made my life so much easier!

[@nore8141]

Just got the 2024 forester and it’s got the same layout. Thanks for the explanation my salesman didn’t do any justice when he was trying to explain

[@bereabeard]

Extremely helpful! Just got my 2020 Forester Touring last week, and it's pretty intimidating. Last time I bought a new car was in the 1990s! I'm watching and taking notes lol.

[@anaglez7104]

You are not alone it happened to me too.

[@nowickneeded]

Thank you! Went through all this yesterday when I picked up my Forester, but this is a great refresher.

[@wyneverett6509]

It’s so nice to see that I’m not the only one who needs everything repeated! Im too embarrassed to ask that 5th time! Lol.

[@apriljones1381]

Thank you! You answered all my questions about the vehicle I just bought that didn’t come with a user manual!

[@TheHagaar]

After watching this video, I feel confident that I can now launch a Atlas rocket.

[@anilg28]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@blessingluu517]

Hahahahahaha, as for me I can sail my ship around the world.

[@frigglediggle2]

It's what makes a Subaru a Subaru

[@tjlang5959]

Thanks this helped us when the wife changed the MPG to MPH while driving and was reaching for the radio buttons on the wheel

[@fredglitz5046]

Thank you. I have had my wonderful Forester since 11/2019 and love it more every day. I frgot how to cycle through the center dash info screen. Your video was a huge help

[@thirteenheros2858]

Excellent video Robert!! I just rented one of these and you saved a ton of guess work and negative learning...not to mention a potential accident, had I tried to figure it out on the road. Great presentation, to the point and at a good pace. Much appreciated.

[@johns.3933]

Excellent presentation. I just purchased a 2024 Forester Limited. Better than reading the manual, thanks.

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbarapartington3022]

Thanks Robert for this awesome video! I am out the door to my brand new 2021 Forester to replay and connect all the dots and be ready for take off!! 😎

[@FSUOSU25]

My friend just got a 2021 Forester Limited with 14,000 miles. I want him to get the most out of it. Subarus seems to be very reliable. Hopefully you are still enjoying yours.

[@taylorbehnke6184]

Great video! Just picked up my forester and had no idea what all the buttons did, very helpful!

[@SWEETYEDIE]

Also if one sees the lowercase 'i' inside a yellow square box displays on the dashboard it means that's its important information or a text telling you to check the owners manual. (SEE in video length 4:45) You can find it on the left side underneath the steering wheel the three black buttons has the two arrows left and right and in the middle it says i/set. Hit i/set button and it will show you your text on the dashboard.

[@SilverDraco]

Thank you for this. My sales guy went over them all but it was too much to remember.

[@Raz31789]

Thanks Robert, you are a genius and very usuful videos you made every thing is simple. Appricated

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad you like them!

[@joyceroby-washington914]

Very informative, just got my mine yesterday and really need a crash course on the auto seat setting right away! Awesome video!

[@debbiereeser9958]

Thank you. Your video is very informative. I have the 2020 Subaru Forrester touring. Can you tell me about the buttons on the bottom of the rear view mirror?

[@hori6870]

Appreciate the video and full explanation of the functionality of the dashboard and seating Thank you

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

Terrific review of all the buttons, Robert. Very helpful. I learned a lot as I'm considering trading my '18 Forester for a '20 or '21 one, probably the Sport trim. Thank you again for the detailed and patient gong over of the control buttons. Certainly reading the Owner's Manual isn't as simple as it used to be due to the increased number of functions the new Forester is equipped with.

[@vytautas134]

Terrific ?

[@Samsung_Galaxy_10]

What a wonderful information. Excellent!!! Thank you.

[@cesarigloria8502]

thanks so much. I have my Subaru Forester 2020 Limited and I've learned a lot from you sir!

[@catfisherboy]

Learned more here than reading the manual, thanks

[@Robert_Cox]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@paddydowningnyegard5530]

Thank you so much for your wonderful detail!

[@cognishn]

Thank you Robert! Excellent job! You were extremely informative!

[@susiebernard6413]

Thank you Robert! Very helpful. 😊

[@christianbagley9462]

Thank you for that, when you buy a new car there is a lot of new information to take in and for me at least it is forgotten.

[@yiwang310]

Thank you thank you, all the info we need is well explained, thx agian.

[@knowledgeapplied]

5:20 I have two questions: Does the lane assist go back on every time you start the car?... Does the automatic braking always stay on, or can it be turned off, if it were to interfere with normal driving?...

[@Robert_Cox]

The lane assist will stay on whatever you had it last set at. The automatic braking defaults to on, so you would have to press the button every time you turn the vehicle on. Watch my video called 2020 Subaru Forester How To: Cabin Buttons!

[@artschulte1897]

Thanks for explaining all the controls Appreciate it greatly

[@megg7558]

Thank you. I just bought this car today and the car shots off and stars right back up at the stop sign. I thought it was running out of gas ⛽️ while the tank is half full 🤣

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad it helped!

[@williamjohnson650]

I love my car I would not drive any other saved me and wife's life!!

[@TheClassicGamefan]

How do you know another car wouldn't have also saved your life?

[@CropTriangles]

Great video. How do i permanently turn off the auto start/stop?

[@almatimbreza3292]

Is was too much to remember on how to use all the buttons for my 2021 Forester Premium. @robertcox will you make a video for that one? 😊thanks!

[@sherry.simburger]

Can you go over all the selections under the Info menu? You mentioned a separate video.Thanks.

[@Robert_Cox]

Sure thing! Once I post that video I'll let you know

[@sherry.simburger]

@@Robert_Cox great! Thank you!

[@Robert_Cox]

I just realized I have a video in my Impreza Playlist that goes over exactly what you are looking for. This video will apply directly to the Forester. Look up 2020 Subaru How To: The Info Button

[@sherry.simburger]

@@Robert_Cox thank you so much!!

[@sherry.simburger]

Can you go over what each Info selection does? You mentioned another video. Thank you!

[@marvindoolin1340]

Nice job. We got our 2020 Sport last February intending a rather long trip from IL to Washington, then down the coast to southern California and home across the south west. You probably know how that went. It's December, and we don't yet have six thousand miles on the meter. Anyway. I don't think I'd heard the turn signal click in a car since my accident in 1973, and my wife has developed a signal to tell me they didn't cancel. But I can hear it in the new Subaru. However, I cannot hear the beeps for lane departure or for the blind spot warning. Our 2015 had only the lane departure warning, and I could hear it. Not sure what's different on the 2020, but to me it's completely silent, as is the blind spot warning. I'm not really happy about that. Otherwise, we're as happy with this Subie as with the previous three.

[@davidjohn9006]

Very good. How to adjust headlights, response level/sensitivity eg, low, med, high ?

[@Robert_Cox]

If I remember correctly that is all through the settings in the main display

[@evansmusc]

Robert, I have a 2021 Forester Touring. Is there a way to disable (permanently shut off) functions like Auto engine on/off, and reminders like "Keep your eyes on the road?"

[@Robert_Cox]

There is not

[@reekophilv313]

Very helpful! Thank you so much

[@anilg28]

Thanks for such lucid and simple explanation. Just purchased 2020 limited forester with moonroof trim. How do i know if i have heated side view mirrors and to operate it? Also Trip meters buttons to operate. Can you please enlighten me on the above?

[@Robert_Cox]

If you have a premium trim level or higher you have heated side mirrors. Those turn on when you turn on the rear window defroster. The trip meter button is located on the dash behind the left side of the steering wheel. If you click it it will change between Trip A and Trip B. If you press and hold it will zero out the trip odometer. Hope that helps!

[@anilg28]

@@Robert_Cox Thanks for responding, that was great help for this tech challenged person 👍😀👏

[@anilg28]

@@Robert_Cox is smart view mirror not standard trim? We got two subaru at the same time, trim and money but i have smart view and the other don't. We realized after a month and it was kind of damper on otherwise happy situation. BTW I was inspiration for a Outback sale for Subaru. Feel little cheated.

[@anilg28]

@@Robert_Cox May i ask you if you have gone into details of the INFO buttons ensconced between two arrows and the 7 or 8 options (of which some are self explanatory) but some are difficult for tech challenged like me. Is there a video already in existence, if not, it will be greatly appreciated 🙏 Also I am little confused about the Auto function of headlights. Difference between pushed back on AUTO and not pushed back. Please.

[@Robert_Cox]

Hi Anil! Are you talking about the mirror that has auto-dimming, a compass, and garage door buttons? If so, this is an accessory that is sometimes put on at the port before it gets sent to the dealer. Not every car will have it unfortunately, but you can go to the dealer and have them install it for you!

[@DiPlanet883]

What is the button above the heated seat buttons. I just got a 22 wilderness trim.

[@elizabethvaldez1512]

Thank you for teaching us how to. Can you or do you have a video on a forester convenience? Most videos shows the set up of forester Turim or higher level.

[@Robert_Cox]

What do you mean by Forester convenience?

[@carexcell]

This was so great and informative! Thank you!!!

[@carolanne3017]

Do you have a video for the Suburu Forester 2023??? How is it different?

[@Robert_Cox]

Not yet, but I can do that once we have one on the lot to show!

[@beaglesinthesun]

Nice video Robert, I have two questions: 1. If you are using the AVH and engage it at a stoplight, what happens to the Auto Stop/Start feature when you take your foot off the brake? Does the engine continue to run, is it deactivated automatically when AVH is engaged? 2. Why would anyone want to turn off the VDC?

[@Robert_Cox]

That's a great question. Honestly I haven't tried using AVH and auto stop/start at the same time. Whenever I have used AVH the car has not shut off at a stop light. The only time I could see someone turning off VDC is if they're stuck and want the wheels to spin while rocking back and forth.

[@telexon]

Can you wash your rear camera ? I thought I saw a video saying yes, you have to put the car in reverse and then twist the wash spray stalk and your rear camera will be washed- if you notice the lenses are dirty.

[@Robert_Cox]

Not in this specific model years

[@WeiK0]

Very helpful video!!! I have the followed question. I have a Forester. My eyesight turned off after off road to the beach. eyesight off check manual I need to reset it. Do u know why. Thanks a lot~~

[@Robert_Cox]

Check to make sure there is nothing blocking the cameras. If nothing is blocking the camera I would schedule an appointment with your local Subaru dealer!

[@WeiK0]

@@Robert_Cox thanks A lot

[@maryskeltonaltadonna5887]

Hello - this video was very helpful.. Our question wasn't covered - how do you turn off ALL of the warning beeping??? The lane keeper beeps constantly - we have narrow roads here, and it is MOST ANNOYING!!!!

[@Robert_Cox]

On the ceiling push and hold the button that looks like a car driving out of it's lane. That turns off the lane keep assist and lane sway assist so it won't beep at you!

[@sheri6681]

Great video. However my specific question is regarding the stick that has head light controls. What do the inner groupings on that stick mean? I can’t find it in the manual either.

[@Robert_Cox]

Those are your fog light controls

[@Jaragreene]

I just bought a subaru forester!! Needed help with all the technology since My last car was a 2008 civic!!

[@williamjohnson650]

I can help :)

[@romystoys1]

Can you tell me where is the switch or button for the factory fog lights located, 2021 Forester Premium...?

[@Robert_Cox]

On the turn signal lever you will see a rotating dial about 3 inches in from the end. Just twist it forward!

[@1linkbelt]

Good job, You should have more subscribers!

[@Robert_Cox]

Thanks!

[@lonewolf82007]

Ok, is there a way to mute the radio using the steering control buttons instead of the radio power button pushing it in to turn radio off?

[@Robert_Cox]

Unfortunately there is not. The only way to quickly mute is to push the volume knob on the infotainment system.

[@lonewolf82007]

@@Robert_Cox thats crazy and sad! But i still love my 2020 suby! Great car!!

[@tomhart2946]

Very good orientation. Thanks.

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@billbunker4662]

Like your video it explains how to control the buttons. Really do not like the Subaru taking control of the car from the driver. But I like leaving the 'eyesight' on as it allows 'adaptable cruise control' that is great! It is the 'braking control' and the 'lane change' features. The lane change taking control is defeated by the button this feature makes me crazy by 'alerts'. But sufficient. 'Braking control' is more problematic. Can you turn it off?

[@grobbosixtyone]

On my Forester MY22 steering wheel here in Australia, I only have one button marked S/I where you have two buttons. The S button is labelled LIM instead. Do you know what that does?

[@Robert_Cox]

That's a great question. I have no clue what LIM stands for unfortunately

[@grobbosixtyone]

@@Robert_Cox Found it. Just needed to read ALL the manuals I was given. It allows you to set a speed limit and the car auto brakes to keep you under that limit. Great for city areas where mobile speed cameras are everywhere

[@ttamto]

is there a TPMS button in the glove box? after i fix the punctured tyres, then am able to clear the alert but then it no longer measure my tyre pressure, do you know how we can fix it? thanks

[@Robert_Cox]

Once you fix the tire just start driving. After a couple miles the TPMS sensor will fix itself!

[@tedmonson]

Great video! I was wondering what the cut out was that was right above the seat warmers?

[@Robert_Cox]

Depending on the trim level you have it may be or may not be an actual feature.

[@SC-ec9fx]

Could you please say what the button would be if the trim level was adequate?

[@davidmcintosh3781]

How do you adjust the rear hatch height and open w/o a key? Thanks

[@janetboardman8957]

Do you know how to get rid of the beeping that goes off when it is using lane departure? Or can you re explain it? I have a 2019 forester limited

[@Robert_Cox]

On the ceiling there are two buttons. Push and hold the left one. It should look like a car leaving a lane

[@grobbosixtyone]

Hi. How do I turn OFF Lane Keep Assist? I have had the steering wheel controlled by the car when turning at low speeds and it got confused by a centre median strip

[@Robert_Cox]

Click the button on the bottom right of the right side of your steering wheel

[@grobbosixtyone]

Do you mean the Vehicle Dynamics Control button?

[@cherylbuck8396]

How do you increase the volume on the voice control system. Mine is very low and I don’t hear the beep telling to issue my command.

[@Robert_Cox]

Increase the volume while the voice command is talking or go to Settings - Sound - and then select the corresponding option to change volume

[@scnstyful]

Great video. Thank you

[@Robert_Cox]

Thanks!

[@johnhovagim9095]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@Robert_Cox]

Thank you!

[@stephaniestewart5667]

Hi! I need help with my preset radio stations. On your video I noticed your presets on “Hold” . What is this feature and how do I get rid of it? Thanks!

[@Robert_Cox]

Once you tune it to the station you like just press and hold until you hear a beep where it says "Hold" and it will save that station as a favorite for you!

[@harrygatto]

Great video, thank you, gives me an idea of what to expect when I order my new Forester. My '96 Cherokee XJ doesn't have quite as many buttons as this car. One question: there seemed to be a slot above the USB ports; is that for a CD player?

[@Robert_Cox]

The CD player is located right below the touchscreen in between the red dots

[@BlueL1n3]

What option is meant for the blank button above the heated seats on the center console? I find it odd that the Touring, being the top of the line model, has an ugly blank button in the center console.

[@Robert_Cox]

I believe that button us for the single mode x-mode from the standard model.

[@BlueL1n3]

@@Robert_Cox That seems logical, but I can't find a picture of that button with the standard x-mode logo and text. The images I can find show the button with what looks like either a camera or a battery icon with the word "VIEW." With some digging I did find some international Forester models that apparently have, from what I can piece together from forum posts, front and side cameras and Im guessing they use that for the button to activate them. That said I cant find anything about it, I've looked through at least one of the Forester's owners manuals and it doesnt even show that button in the center console. Personally I wish they had come up with something to add there for the top US models, it looks trashy to me to pay for top of the line and have a cheap button blank on the console. Anyway, that was longer than I had intended, thank you for your response.

[@gregfarrell752]

@@BlueL1n3 I’ve got the 2021 forester premium with the view button,when it’s pressed you get either a front view or the passenger side view come up on the screen.side view is good for parking close to kerb.

[@vwtch]

You should have mentioned that the 'Memory' button can be put in the 'Off' position to allow the tailgate to open all the way.

[@Robert_Cox]

Good catch!

[@UnknownID.]

You are champion 👏👏👏👏👏

[@blessingluu517]

What is conventional cruise control, I didn’t even know they have that. Also, what is the objective of the engine off while the car is on park? Will this really save or spending more gas, I was just curious..

[@Robert_Cox]

Conventional cruise control is where the car will not automatically slow down or speed up to maintain a set distance while cruise control is on. The auto start-stop system is for emissions purposes I believe.

[@grobbosixtyone]

This video shows the potential fuel savings. Very interesting kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnesnnueg9yVgNE

[@briankloc]

Is there any rain sensing for the wipers? And does the phone need to be plugged in to do CarPlay? Thank you, this was very informative.

[@Robert_Cox]

Hi Brian! No rain sensing on the Forester and as of right now CarPlay still needs to be plugged in to work. Otherwise you can use bluetooth when not plugged in.

[@KumariAmitaKishore]

Very helpful informations Thanks

[@valcheung5747]

Which subaru works best driving on snowy and icy road? I am moving to the midwest or east coast in a few months. I have no experience driving on icy road or snow before. I am worried. Please advise. Thanks

[@Robert_Cox]

All of the models except the BRZ will be perfect for driving in snow. If you're worried about ground clearance in the snow I would go with a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, or Ascent!

[@valcheung5747]

@@Robert_Cox Thank you, Robert. I am looking at a Forester now. It seems nice. Do I need to change its tires in the winter? Thanks.

[@almatimbreza3292]

@Robert Cox do you have a video already made for a 2021 Subaru Forester on how to use all the buttons?

[@Robert_Cox]

Hi Alma! The 2021 Forester and 2020 Forester will be the same in almost every way except the 2021 will have a button next to the drivers side vent on the left called SRH Off (this turns off the steering responsive headlights) and a switch for fog lights on the turn signal stem. Hope that helps!

[@MokiGirl]

Hi, is there a button to turn the fog lights on? Thanks !

[@Robert_Cox]

On the turn signal stem there is another rotating dial about 2 inches in from the end. Just rotate/twist it forward. If you have a base model you do not have fog lights

[@MokiGirl]

@@Robert_Cox Thank you SO much. I don't know how I didn't see that.

[@nataliyaremeshivska7030]

Is there a google maps in the car because my family doesn’t know how to turn on the navigation.

[@Robert_Cox]

Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto!

[@lynneconnolly4837]

We have a 2021 Subaru Forester. On the home screen, upper right there are a few symbols, one of which looks like a battery. The white line is now very low on that symbol, what does that mean?

[@Robert_Cox]

That's just letting you know your cell phone battery level since it is connected to Bluetooth

[@fkylw]

The auto-off icons are so backwards it hurts. The slash through it should mean it's off. But the icon represents the OFF button… yeah, that's great - On and Off = completely unique and different features from each other (rollllll eyes)

[@Surfnyolly]

Thank you for posting this! As a UI designer, The notification light organization and design are terrible. I never know what’s on or off. No design or color consistency from icon to icon.

[@mengtselai3818]

Pretty useful video. Good work.

[@samlieburn8661]

Great vid just got mine. What about the buttons up by the sunglasses holder?

[@Robert_Cox]

Check out the video I made called Cabin buttons. That will go over those! If you have any questions or would like a video of something let me know!

[@cynthiaspeed420]

Thank you for this video. The one thing that I have questions about, is when I start the car, the yellow blind spot detection light icon appears and states OFF, you show how if you activate the yellow light on the drivers side mirror appears, to indicate that the application is now activated. There is a button on the overhead panel for pre collision icon, it also appears as yellow when I start the car and states OFF. How do I know when I have activated the pre collision option? When you turn off the car, do you have to reset all the options or do they carry over? Thanks a big bunch

[@Robert_Cox]

When you first turn on the car those lights appear. As long as they disappear after a couple seconds they are already turned on. If the lights don't turn off, you would need to push the button to turn on the blind spot and the pre-collision braking. As default, the pre-collision braking will always turn on when you turn on the vehicle. The buttons for the blind spot and lane departure warning (right next to pre-collision braking) will stay at whatever setting it was last at. You'll will know if everything is turned on because you will not see any lights on the dash. The lights only stay on when that specific system is off.

[@davidlcolburn7745]

2021 Subaru forester. How do you keep the headlights from coming on when the switch is in the off position? Auto position should control according to light or dark but my headlights come on when the switch is in the off position, it is dark out and the car is in gear. Major fault!

[@Robert_Cox]

What you're seeing is the running lights. The actual headlights and taillights are still off

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Thanks Robert 😊

[@alexsoubbotin]

Thank you!

[@kimbantle4385]

Hi, I changed my phone on bluetooth to the 12 pro. It paired but now my music skips. I unpaired it and tried it again. Same thing. Any ideas?

[@Robert_Cox]

Hi Kim! Did you fully unpair and forget/delete the bluetooth from your phone and the car? Sometimes you need to fully reset it and then it should work

[@maryhardy2385]

Are there handouts that go through all the features and explanations so that I can have them available in case I need to look up something?

[@Robert_Cox]

You can find the quick guides online that cover everything!

[@carrieostrander879]

We have a new 2021 Touring. The auto stop start activates all the time when my husband drives, and rarely when I do. I really want to have it activate (stop engine when I stop at a light, etc.). What am I doing differently? Help!

[@Robert_Cox]

It's dependent on the outside temperature and inside HVAC. It might just be a coincidence or you may not have your foot all the way down on the brake pedal. If you have the brake pedal held lightly it may not trigger the auto start stop. Hope that helps!

[@kathleen5633]

thanks, very helpful

[@Robert_Cox]

Glad it helped!

[@TonyGOD-IS-4-LIFE8039]

I have forest 2019 and blue light is blinking on windshield top left corner It never did I drove it parked turned off and then I saw the blue blinking light only when I close the car (locked) when unlocked it’s not blinking so I don’t want the battery to die and didn’t lock it.Can you help ?

[@MokiGirl]

Another question please. When I got in my Forester tonight, I saw a yellow dashboard light that looked like lane assist with a snowflake in the center. Do you know what that could be? Also, I noticed near the rear view mirror area a red light is on that says passenger airbag OFF. Noone was in the passenger side, but I had my heavy purse there. Is this a problem? Thank you again !

[@Robert_Cox]

The yellow light with a snowflake is just warning you that it's below 37 degrees and there could be winter weather driving conditions. The light for the passenger airbag off is normal. No need to worry about that. If you have someone sit in the seat it will turn that light off

[@MokiGirl]

@@Robert_Cox Thank you !!! What a relief ! You've been so helpful. Much appreciated.

[@rajeshr5140]

How to close the tailgate from inside the car?

[@Robert_Cox]

There's a button on the left side of the dash below the air vent. Push and hold the one that looks like the trunk. Make sure all doors are unlocked otherwise it won't work. Hope that helps!

[@georgebond7777]

No one seems to have done a video on using or setting the subaru with a LIM trim.

[@Robert_Cox]

The Touring only has a couple things me that the limited so almost every button should apply to your car, but I can film one!

[@georgebond7777]

@@Robert_Cox it's OK, I worked it out. Thank you for the reply

[@zbigniewkarpierz1832]

hello how to change the temperature from fahrenheit to celsius in forester V. Thank you very much for your help

[@J1Z06]

Same as The Limited model? Thanks!!!

[@hunteralphamale]

BRAVO ZULU. Thank you.

[@Ari-lz6lb]

love the video!

[@clintinva]

Does my 2021 Forester touring not have a CD player?

[@Robert_Cox]

Potentially, depends on your trim level

[@vivianaramirez6623]

Just bought a 2019 forester and I was reading comments that the auto Stop-Start can eventually cause harm to the engine. Is this true?