How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester

Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These oil life reset specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2012 through 2013 — the SH (3rd generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester

• 20122.5X Touring trim added above 2.5X Limited with HID headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and silver roof rails; 2.5XT models gain a larger rear spoiler
• 2012–2013Facelift years of the SH generation; non-turbo trims run the newer FB25 while the 2.5XT retains the EJ25 turbo through the end of production in 2013
• 2013Minor changes only: Sky Blue dropped from the exterior color palette, replaced by Marine Blue and Deep Cherry Pearl

How do you reset the oil life on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

6 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.

Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.

Why won't the oil light reset on a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. Classic Subaru trip-meter-hold reset. This is a mileage-based maintenance reminder, not an oil-quality sensor, so it must be reset manually after every service.