Hidden Vehicle Settings on the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek

In this video I dive into a hidden menu that many Subaru owners have never seen. I also show you what each setting does so you can personalize your Subaru the way you like it most!
Comment below with any questions you have!
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[@SN-hg6bx]

OMG!!! Found it!!!! My subaru retailer sent me off with absolutely NO intel on all the specs…..😱😅. They, themselves had no idea 😳You ll never know just how much these recap tutorials are appreciated and enormously helpful!!!! I would not have known and believe me, i looked for it. ♥️🌹👠

[@alexpmo]

Happy to help!😊

[@klockdesigns89]

Great information. I’m sure many dealers can offer this information, but having your videos makes it much more comfortable than having a salesperson sit in your car with you while you try to figure things out or do what they are “teaching” you.

[@grcigar9911]

For all these software options Subaru can build into their cars that most people likely don’t care about or take the time to adjust, wish the ability to permanently disable auto start stop was one of them.

[@grcigar9911]

@@lostintranslation73 Post a link to the federal regulation. There is none.

[@grcigar9911]

The Ascent and BRZ don’t have auto start stop.

[@1linkbelt]

@@peekingturtle8457 Where did you buy that?

[@suspicionofdeceit]

Amen.

[@BE4TNUT]

@@grcigar9911 my understanding is that the clean air act puts rules on the cars emissions system which auto start/stop is a part of. Also there’s emissions standards manufacturers need to meet or exceed and they may be using the auto start/stop system to meet those required standards. They also may be getting some sort of incentive by making it reactivate every time the vehicle is turned on making the EPA happy.

[@Robert-el7dk]

Hi Alex. From the U.K. I’d just want to let you know that your videos have been really helpful to me in choosing to purchase a new Subaru Outback. Although your dealership won’t have any benefit from my purchase at least there’s another Subaru owner in the world! Cheers Alex and much appreciated.

[@mrssoybeanfarmer1749]

Great video as always, learn so much from you, keep doing them!!!!

[@alyssamartinez4412]

This is the best video I've seen!! I'm getting ready to pickup my 2023 limited in less then 2 weeks and never knew there were that many settings 😅 it's going to take me hours to connect my phone and go through the many settings on the three different screens!

[@jyankees872]

How refreshing to watch a video and actually take something from it.

[@carlbuffie8935]

Excellent video Alex…in all the Subaru tutorials available yours is the only one that thoroughly explains that function…..are there any unknowns in the Multi-function display?

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Great video, as always. As a new Subaru owner, your videos are absolutely essential, and should be mandatory! Subaru SHOULD have you go around to the dealerships to teach the salesforce how to teach the new owners! You're a natural-born teacher.

[@jimdunkle4823]

Hi Alex, we just got our new Forester! And we love it!! Thanks for the video and all the info.

[@alexpmo]

Congrats Jim!

[@alexnort1956]

Thank you for the information! I got my 2023 crosstrek last Monday, and didn't know about a lot of this

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome! Happy to help

[@lorenap2609]

Thank you so much for making these videos. Lifesavers.

[@JJ-cg3rn]

Just ordered a 2023 Forester, great information, thank you!

[@travishartzler9155]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@dianelep]

Thank you! I had no clue that some of those adjustments were possible and this was exceptionally helpful!

[@MrGutfeeling]

😅 so true. Maybe people can't read (the manual) ?

[@DoubleTFishing]

Great channel Alex, learning soooo much about the used forester I just purchased

[@jsunshines1026]

Eagerly awaiting delivery of my 2023 Ascent. Your videos have been helpful in making me feel like I'll have half an idea of what's going on with all my new tech. 😅 Thanks for the clear and thorough information, as always!

[@davidanderson8469]

They devour gas. perfect size though for a big guy. My sister has one.

[@lfidarraga]

Thank You Alex. You're the best

[@tamirine1434]

Thank you! I watched to learn how to change my tire pressure display to PSI, but I learned a few other helpful tips as well. You're the best!

[@mjbucar]

Excellent information - thank you.

[@helenh7170]

Love your videos - very easy to follow and implement. Do you happen to have a video showing how to update the navigation system map for a 2019 Forester?

[@rockstaruriel]

You have to pay for the update, first setup the subaru subscription your phone then use the update feature inside the navigation system from the vehicle.

[@mag2say]

Hi Alex! Great content as always 👍 Thank you! -Vicky from Cali

[@journeyon1983]

Excellent. This was something I didn't even know existed. Now I'll have to play and change some of the settings you showed in your video tutorial. Thanks for showing us all the settings it has. What a beneficial feature to have.

[@kauaimanks]

Knew some of these were there but having a detailed video on them was really helpful man!

[@daveb7999]

Thanks, Alex - this information is like gold for new owners. I realize it's likely all in the manual, but listening to the information also is very helpful.

[@22smudger]

Ha ha - yes, absorbing info from Alex’s videos is a whole lot easier than the 600 page user manual 🤣

[@glennprice1479]

Wow! Found this vid by accident. Never realized these features existed. Thnx.

[@ssathue]

I'm pretty sure that the Left and Right options for the lane centering control whether the Eyesight system prefers "hugging" the left side or the right side of the lane. Above notwithstanding, I've learned so much from your channel! I think my new 2024 Forester Touring appreciates you too.

[@jonryder3583]

Thanks for the video, super helpful! Do you have any idea if it’s possible to disable the small screen staying on if one of the doors is open? This would be nice to disable while camping as I like to keep my doors open when arriving to camp but don’t want to risk draining the battery. Thanks!

[@petraluh9497]

very helpful and well explained

[@scottsteibel]

Thanks Lots of settings!

[@user-ze4bp4vq7i]

Thank you for that disassembling I have been wondering about changing the bulbs behind those projection lenses, and now that I have seen what is behind those projection lenses I am not going to worry about attempting that thank you so much

[@texts..................]

Thank you 👍 for watching and leaving a comment, Text the above name on TELEGRAM to acknowledge your Prize.🏆

[@gailoakley4010]

Thank you!

[@jeannerountree952]

Very helpful!

[@davidcarrascocarrasco7544]

Thanks alot very helpful

[@empathy212]

Thank you so much for the information. I "custom built" my very first Subaru in Feb 2022. I chose the Forester Wilderness Edition with all the bells and whistles that I could add, including the tow hitch and auto dimming mirrors with approach lighting. I took my paperwork to my "local dealership" 68 miles from my house, put down my deposit on March 1st 2022 and waited and waited and waited until Aug 27th 2022. I chose the wrong dealership. Absolutely the worst vehicle buy experience ever. Took their decal and license plate frame off immediately!!! But, I must say that I LOVE my new Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition 2022. However the brick vehicle manual is taking me a long time to read everything cover to cover and I'm the person who does this more than once. So I really appreciate your info videos. I REALLY wish I could have purchased from you!!! But I live in Ga, USA to clarify. Thank you so much for your information. And to everyone with their new vehicles, don't forget to get your 5 free badges from Subaru for your new vehicle purchase!

[@alexpmo]

Thank you! Happy to hear you're enjoying your new Forester despite your experience with your local dealer. Would have loved to work with you as well. Here is a link to a video I made covering more details on the Wilderness. Feel free to reach out with any questions! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF7IgJdjep2Nj9U

[@lrajek3389]

Sounds like you went to the same dealership in southern Georgia?. I preferred a used Subie because I don't like some of the new "safety" features, but never realized the salesman deliberately stood in front of various problems on the exterior. Until I got it home, wasn't exhausted, and saw that this "one-owner no-accident" black vehicle definitely had some encounters with nonmoving objects. Love Subies but didn't like Slick Willlie the salesman at this place.

[@logan5326]

You should named the car dealer where you had that awful experience, so others won’t have to go through it. This will be a real wake up call to such dealer and change sales tactics. 2 favors into one.

[@empathy212]

For those in Ga I went through RiverTown Subaru in Columbus, Ga. Now I do want to clarify that everyone in their Service Department is amazing and very professional!

[@joeyiacona]

Tell me more about these badges

[@goodguy309]

I love these videos because my 2023 Forester settings are overwhelming to 'discover'.

[@robalexander7348]

Thanks Alex, i will check those settings on my 2020 WRX 👍 Au

[@DrewLakebrink]

Thank you for going into detail about this menu. I accessed it shortly after getting my Forester, but quickly backed out because it felt a bit much. I'm definitely going to turn the eye sight car detection beep off. It's pretty annoying, distracting, and sounds just like the alert beep. My biggest question is why can't I do this from the larger screen? All 3 screens have their own menu system when it could all be controlled on the one screen. Touch controls and bigger screen for more details would be nice. It would also take care of some of the duplicate menu options.

[@heyyou7517]

I have a question Alex great video for secret options. How do I get the temperature gage to show? Does not look like it’s an option on my dash Subaru Impreza

[@johnjanoscrat8000]

Thanks, Alex, great and useful info. All the best! "The JJ" SW Penna

[@keneshiakennedy3508]

Subaru Forester high spec is my dream vehicle

[@mariaskepple9773]

Got a 2022 Subaru Forester touring 2 months ago, love it. Yesterday driving out of town. Had a flat tire in the interstate, push the SOS button, Subaru help came within 10 minutes, that was great. The spare tire should be a full size not a donut, after the tire was replaced have to find a tire shop so they can fix the tire or buy a new one, I was lucky that they were able to fix it, have to wait about 1/2 for the tire to be fix. But so glad that I got the help that I need it from Subaru STARLINK .

[@WildernessForever]

Just don't break down five hours away from the nearest Subaru dealer, or you'll be waiting a long time!

[@davidanderson8469]

Discount Tire might be able to order a full size spare if one fits. Our old Honda Pilot has a full size one from new which I ordered.

[@philplumbe5318]

Alex, thanks for the info presented here: most useful when getting used to my 2023 Forester Premium here in Australia. The RADIO: is there a setting which will keep it playing for longer than 1-2 minutes after you switch off the ignition, but remain in the car...i.e. listening to an interview or music as you sit there. After it goes off (too soon!) a double press of the ignition button seems not to always work.

[@Domogurl323]

Hi, awesome video! I did however notice my 2022 forester wilderness did not have the last menu option for doors and mirrors where I can set it for my mirrors to tilt when in reverse! I knew about all the other features and had adjusted my settings when I got my car but never knew about this and would really love to have that function. Is this only available with the dimmable mirrors? I opted out of those, could that be the reason why I don’t have that feature?

[@robertkoenigsberg4761]

Thank you Alex!!! Much needed information. BTW, where is the setting for high beams to auto change? Mine seemed to lose it's auto low - high beam function somewhere in the system.

[@kevindunleavy9316]

Just push the signal lever forward, that engages the auto-brights feature. The brights will go off when it detects oncoming light, that can be caused by your own headlights reflecting off a sign, so don't be surprised if they randomly alternate

[@joanballiram420]

Hi I just subscribed I love how you explain things, I have a 2018 subaru forester, I wanted to know if the side mirrors has automatic fog clearing, just bought the suv used thanks.

[@tonybrandao7]

Hi Alex, thanks for the informative videos. BTW, where did you get that Subaru pullover? Do they sell them at the dealers?

[@alexpmo]

Hey Tony! I got it online at Subaru Gear: subarugear.com/582410-diamond-fleece-pullover

[@martinh9120]

Alex, I have found more about the FAB from you, than I did when I picked up my Forester from my dealer in Brisbane (Aus).Love your work, thanks.

[@alexpmo]

Thank you Matin! Glad you’ve found my videos helpful

[@MrSomsoc]

@@alexpmo Hello Alex, just bought a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium (lower premium) that I am going to pick up tomorrow (Monday). I have been getting a bit concerned about the windshield cracking... I really don't want to pay +$1000 to substitute the windshield... Should I get additional protection/warranty on that? Or just be careful with differences in temperature?

[@espinozanovak831]

this isn't hidden. it says right on the display, hold select for menu

[@jodielvish1]

Hi Alex! Your video's are greatly appreciated. The question I have is how do I access the messages that randomly appear over my speedometer are like ..."Your ignition has been on 2 hours"; "Stay alert" ; "Lane departure" when on a gravel backroad. There are other messages that have appeared but escape my memory at the moment!

[@steverode7589]

Thanks for the video. Is there an audible alarm option in addition to the visual when the turn signal is activated and a vehicle is in the blind spot for the Outback and Forester?

[@SAlly-le6iw]

Alex, I just collected my ‘23 Crosstrek LTD 2 questions: 1) How do I adjust the weather location in the multi-function display on the top of the dashboard - it is not displaying the weather for my preferred location? Does the weather change with the car movement? 2) MySubaru app - is there a feature to see if all the doors/trunk/windows/sunroof are LOCKED?

[@ND-ev6zz]

Thanks for the detailed video. Does anyone know if there is a way to stop the horn from beeping when you use the MySubaru auto start?

[@shopcatt643]

Hey Alex thanks for all the useful information. I have a 2019 Forester and every time I turn the car off and open the door there's a dinging sound that continues until I close the door. Is there a way to turn that off?

[@brucephillps6786]

Gday Alex, contacting you from Sydney Australia. Just got my 2022 forester and I find your clip very helpful I’m still learning the different functions and I appreciate your assistance, much better than the salesman. Is there a mute button on the info screen so I can hear/talk while the radio or media is playing Thanks

[@btonnybp6084]

This is so informative. How do I use a flash disc in my Subaru forester.?

[@alig6616]

This thing is like a spaceship! 🚀

[@joanballiram420]

Great alex

[@durkee12]

You can turn off the auto door lock through the big screen as well. I didn't know about the auto tilt mirror in reverse I'll try that out.

[@kens8868]

Thanks for the info Alex. I tried accessing the mirror fold and it didn't appear. Is it safe to assume that I have to have that feature on my model. I have the limited. The other question I have is, is there any hidden compass feature on the vehicle as I don't have the mirror with the compass. Thanks

[@jvs00051]

Maybe covered on another video but one feature the CRV has is each one of the two key fobs can be programmed to have its own seat settings. Very convenient when two drivers desire different driver positions. The driver’s seat automatically adjusts when the driver’s door opens with that respective fob.

[@stevelindstrom4765]

I just saw a video where that can be programmed into this car as well

[@kulr3924]

My tall dad used my short mom's keys once and nearly cracked a rib! Not actually but it was funny watching him realize the seat wasn't stopping

[@robertmeigs5176]

Toyota RAV4 also has this.

[@DF-oe7qf]

Thx! Sure seems like it would be simpler (and easier to navigate) if you could scroll and change all that stuff under a settings menu on the infotainment screen!

[@Samson-EC]

Nice job Alex...thks..jc

[@surfnyolly]

RAB is a lifesaver!

[@mikesoukup514]

Excellent video - very useful! But I have a question. I have a 2023 Forester. How do I turn off the headlights and daytime running lights completely? I sometimes work at an astronomical observatory. Keeping the environment as dark as possible there is mandatory. Sometimes people have to drive away during the night and only parking lights are permissible when leaving the parking area, including me. So far I can't figure out how to turn off all the lights (parking lights excepted) on this car. Every other type of vehicle I've come across at the observatory allows the driver to do this.

[@alansizer2006]

Your headlight switch still has the conventional settings. Just turn it from auto to the parking lights position.

[@gfweis]

Thanks for this tip. Question: how do I keep the radio from coming on when I start the 2019 Crosstrek?

[@Ross99999]

Thanks, Alex. It’s good to know there are so many settings that you can modify to your own liking. Have you been able to take your new car home yet?

[@alexpmo]

Yes! I’ll have a video on this soon

[@Dawn191]

Thank you, Alex good review as always 😊

[@reljoy]

Alex, please do a video on the differences in the fuel consumption figures on the Combination Meter Display and the Multifunction Display including Trip A and B. Why did instance does one display show a different fuel consumption figure than the other display?

[@dk1828]

Yes!!! Great question

[@cjc4150]

Your videos are great for me to learn about my new Forester. I was wondering if there was a feature to auto lock all the doors when we walk away with the key fob. Help? Thank you!

[@alexpmo]

You’re welcome! Unfortunately there isn’t a way to auto lock the doors when you walk away. Would be a nice feature to have though so hopefully Subaru incorporates that in the future

[@candih5636]

Could you do a video on how to remove the rear seat cushion on the Outback?

[@rioturist]

Are there any setting changes one can do to get better mileage on the Forester 2023. Thanks

[@cachang89]

Have they fixed the SOS yet? My '23 Touring XT is slated to get to the dealership by Mid-November. Hopefully I'll be able to take it off the lot..

[@Mrocax]

Great video! Is there a way to disable my rear seatbelt warning based on weight on the seats? I’ve got a 65 lb golden retriever and he was setting the rear seatbelt alarm off when he was moving around back there. I could just unplug the sensors, but I’m unsure if that might affect how the side airbags would deploy in a crash.

[@leslietorr]

I just buckle the seat belts, put my seat covers over it and sensors don't go off when my dog is in the back.

[@bandongfaustino5695]

Hi Alex, Do you have video for ascent onyx 2023?

[@rioturist]

For the Forester 2023 What does the "set" button inside the glove box do? As you open the glove box its on the left side. Thanks

[@girldboro9834]

I havea 2020 Forester. Is there a Happy Birthday setting? I love that feature on my 2014 Forester.

[@ashlee4140]

I have a 22 WRX. I love the “welcome” feature. Can I do that with the WRX?

[@maryl9601]

I appreciate this video but I wish you would show how and what levers you are touching to adjust the the settings

[@avtechnz]

In regard to disabling the auto stop start I have managed to do this on my 2018 Crosstrek/XV. Stop start is disabled while towing by a magnetic switch in the trailer light flap as part of the Subaru dealer towbar setup. I simply put a dummy trailer plug in my trailer light socket and no more stop start. This wire for this switch must be present in all cars but you would need a wiring map to check which wire it is if you don't have a towbar and trailer light socket.

[@surfnyolly]

I def didn’t know about this menu! Thank you Alex!

[@cunghocavrwebsite5280]

My 2022 Forester was made in Thailand for Vietnam market. Setting looks a little bit different from your car. Just simply question, anyway to keep the "Side View Monitor" be always Display when I press "View" Button? In my car, sometimes it keeps displaying but in most cases, it will automatically stop after several seconds. Thank for great information.

[@ronjaenisch4613]

great video..........on the center console is a place where even in the video a tiny red light went on. what is this?

[@Dactylonian]

Thank you for this great video. Question. Where do I find the option to bump my cruise control speed up or down by only 1 mph - ever since I purchased my car the setting has been 5 mph.

[@texts..................]

Thank you 👍 for watching and leaving a comment, Text the above name on TELEGRAM to acknowledge your Prize.🏆

[@nancilevin171]

Does the 2023 forester wilderness have the mirror adjustment feature? I followed you video for the hidden features but I can’t seem to find it. Thanks.

[@markstone3224]

On the 2023 Crosstrek there is a bar for fuel. Are there any other options such as how many litres are left, kms left till empty, etc.?

[@richardlee7617]

I put windscreens above my 4 windows on 2019 Forester. Often I need to inch the windows down to allow ventilation on hot days. I need to do each window individually and if I hit a button to hard or to long the window travels all the way down. Then I have to start all over again. Please tell me a “secret” way to have each window lower an inch or two for ventilation without me having to have such precise touch?? You’re the best!

[@IrvingAveBully]

Replying hoping for an answer

[@deb8183]

Omg, every valet driver has cursed my car windows bc of this issue. My front driver window after 7 years now closes normally. I inched the window shut at the beginning. Why this happens Idk but it drove me nuts. Alex thinks I’ve tried these menus . But no after window issue I left everything else as is.😂

[@keiraplaysroblox6788]

Can you share how to use the fog light and wipers? And how to open the engine cover to refill water for the wipers plss

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Good info. A suggestion is to put what years the video covers in the description and/or title. (Stupid me if it is shown somewhere, browsing on the phone I can't see it😊)

[@alexpmo]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@58steve]

i have a 2024 crosstrek what do you recommend to clean the radio/ options front computer screen. are those tv/computer wipes you can buy ok on it

[@GrimReaper-qs8do]

Are there any hidden features on a 2016 Legacy 3.6R Limited ?

[@axiomstudio]

hi Alex and everyone here. I am looking at buying a 2022 or 2023 Forester. just curious if u guys know whether the battery drain issue is fully resolved and new battery that comes with new forester no longer need to worry about this?

[@bkstarkey]

Not sure if new ones have this but my 16 legacy does. This has more though.

[@JonathanCrist-pg3ws]

Hi Alex. I have a 2020 Forester Sport. Is there any way to temporarily disable the daylight running lights? With winter starting it will soon be time for local drive-thru 'Festival of Lights' events. The events want all cars to turn off their headlight while driving the course, but even with the headlights off the DRL remains on. Last winter I covered the lights with tape. Is there a 'hidden' switch to temporarily disable the DRL? Thanks for all your videos.

[@kolterize]

I accidentally hit on this yesterday. Turn the light switch below the "auto" setting... It is more like a soft turn; something similar to rear viper. So basically turning it one more time below the "auto" setting (won't stay there) will turn off the auto lights. Cheers!

[@angelozoras2813]

Hi With the 2023 subaru forester sport in australia , how does the front passenger airbag light work please . Thanks

[@jimhusmann7979]

When will there be a fix on the recall on the outback’s i have been waiting over a month

[@emacapinlac]

Is there anyway to roll windows up or down without turning the car on? Or with the key fob? If not they need to add this on the next model.

[@psu50]

I was told there was an option or function to change the dash gauge light color. Is this feature not on the 2023? If so, where is it found? I am inquiring about the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport model.

[@teejaydecano4548]

I have the same model but I do not have some settings under keyless entry like audible signal and rear gate/trunk unlock and auto light sensor. :(

[@DZenitram23]

still waiting on the sos recall so I can pick up my outback!