Learn how to reset the oil change light on the Subaru Forester using this easy-to-follow guide. Performing these steps will clear the “Time to change engine oil” maintenance reminder notification that reminds you to change the oil.

2025 – 2026 Models

The newest Subaru Forester uses the center information display to manage the engine-oil maintenance reminder. The exact screen layout may vary slightly depending on whether your Forester has the dual 7-inch displays or the 11.6-inch touchscreen.

1. Switch the ignition ON without starting the engine.
2. Press or tap HOME on the center information display.
3. Open the Maintenance screen. On models with the 11.6-inch display, select Car Info, then Maintenance. On models with the dual 7-inch displays, you can access the Maintenance icon from the main display.
4. Select Engine Oil.
5. Select Notification Date or Notification Distance.
6. Touch Reset to clear the existing maintenance setting after the oil change.
7. Set the next oil-change reminder by entering the desired notification date and/or mileage, then select Set. You can also select Update to return the notification distance to Subaru’s default value.

The same Maintenance menu also lets you reset or update reminders for the Oil Filter, Tires, and Maintenance Schedule.

2018 – 2024 Models

Use the option that matches the buttons on your particular model.

Option 1

1. Switch the Ignition ON. For push-button models, press the ignition button twice. Do not press the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the “Info” button located on the lower-left side of the steering wheel until you toggle the screen to say, “Push and hold [INFO] button for selection screen.”
   
   
   

There are separate options under “Maintenance” you may want to perform the same steps on:

• Maintenance Schedule
• Oil Filter
• Tires

Option 2

1. Switch the Ignition ON. For push-button models, press the ignition button twice. Do not press the brake pedal.
2. Using the controls located in the center console under the center display, flick the Enter button up or down to go through the options until you reach a screen that says, “Press and hold ENTER button to access setting screen.”

   

3. Press and hold the “Enter” button until the service screen appears.
4. Arrow down to “Maintenance.” Press the “Enter” button to go into that menu.
5. Select “Engine Oil.”
6. Arrow down to toggle to Notification Date and/or Notification Distance. Press the “Enter” button to enter each item, then use the arrow buttons to a time and distance you would like to be notified that an oil change is due. Once you have everything the way you like, select the “Set” option on the screen.
7. Perform the same steps on the “Maintenance Schedule,” “Oil Filter,” and “Tires” options if desired.

Option 3

1. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
2. Locate and press the “HOME” button to access the main menu of the infotainment system.
3. Using the touchscreen or the control buttons, navigate to “Settings” or “Vehicle Settings.”
4. Select “Maintenance” or “Service,” and then choose “Reset” or “Reset Maintenance.”
5. Confirm the reset. The oil change light should be reset, and the maintenance reminder should be turned off.

1997 – 2017 Models

1. Locate the trip/reset button on the dashboard near the speedometer or the instrument cluster.
2. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to “ON” or “ACC” without starting the engine.
3. Press and hold the trip/reset button while turning the key to the “OFF” position.
4. Turn the key back to the “ON” or “ACC” position while holding the trip/reset button. Continue to hold the button for about 10 seconds.
5. Release the trip/reset button. The oil change light should be reset, and the maintenance reminder should be turned off.

Hopefully, this tutorial has helped you with getting your Subaru Forester oil change light reset. Let us know how it worked out for you by leaving a comment.

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