How to Change Time on a Subaru Crosstrek

Changing the time on your Subaru Crosstrek is easier than you think—whether you drive a 2013 model or a 2024 Crosstrek Limited. This guide walks you through every method, from basic manual adjustments to automatic syncing via GPS or infotainment systems, so you never miss an appointment again.

If you’ve ever hopped into your Subaru Crosstrek after a long weekend only to realize the clock is still stuck on Friday’s time, you’re not alone. Whether it’s daylight saving time, a dead battery, or just forgetting to update it after a trip across time zones, adjusting the clock seems like a small thing—but it can throw off your entire routine. The good news? Changing the time on a Subaru Crosstrek is straightforward once you know where to look. And contrary to what some owners assume, you don’t need a dealership visit or special tools. With a few button presses—or taps on the screen—you’ll have your dashboard displaying the correct time in under a minute.

What makes this process even more convenient is that Subaru has designed multiple ways to adjust the clock across different model years and trim levels. From the compact 2013 Crosstrek to the latest 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness, the core principles remain similar, but the exact steps vary slightly based on whether your vehicle has a basic instrument cluster, a multi-information display (MID), or the full-color STARLINK infotainment system. Don’t worry—we’ll cover all of them. Whether you’re driving a base Premium trim with manual controls or a top-tier Limited with touchscreen navigation, this guide ensures you’ll find the right method for your specific setup. Plus, we’ll explain how to enable automatic time sync so you never have to do this again (unless you want to).

Key Takeaways

• Multiple methods exist: You can change the time manually using steering wheel buttons or through the touchscreen infotainment system, depending on your Crosstrek’s trim and year.
• Automatic time sync is available: Newer models (2018+) support GPS-based automatic time updates, keeping your clock accurate without manual input.
• Steering wheel controls work on most trims: Even base models allow time adjustment via the “INFO” or “DISP” button and arrow keys.
• Infotainment screen steps vary by system: STARLINK systems (2016+) use Settings > Clock, while older models rely on physical buttons.
• Battery disconnect resets the clock: If your Crosstrek loses power, expect to re-set the time—it’s normal and quick to fix.
• Daylight saving time isn’t automatic on all models: Some older Crosstreks require manual adjustment twice a year unless GPS sync is enabled.
• Always verify after setting: Double-check that AM/PM or 24-hour format matches your preference to avoid confusion.

Understanding Your Subaru Crosstrek’s Clock System

Before diving into step-by-step instructions, it helps to understand how Subaru designs its clock systems across different generations of the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek debuted in 2013 as a compact crossover built on the Impreza platform, and over the years, Subaru has gradually upgraded its technology stack—including how the vehicle keeps time.

In early models (2013–2015), the clock was typically controlled through physical buttons on the instrument panel or steering wheel, with no integration into a central infotainment system. These vehicles often featured a simple analog-style digital clock in the gauge cluster, and time adjustments required navigating through menu layers using directional arrows.

Starting around 2016, Subaru introduced the STARLINK multimedia system, which brought touchscreen interfaces to higher trims. This allowed users to adjust the clock directly from the main display under “Settings.” However, even with this upgrade, many base and mid-tier trims retained the older button-based method for cost and simplicity reasons.

By 2018, Subaru began equipping most Crosstreks with GPS-enabled infotainment systems. This meant the clock could sync automatically with satellite signals, ensuring near-perfect accuracy without user intervention. If your Crosstrek has built-in navigation or supports smartphone integration (like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), there’s a strong chance it also supports automatic time updates.

It’s also worth noting that disconnecting the car battery—common during maintenance or repairs—will reset the clock. This isn’t a defect; it’s just how non-volatile memory works in older systems. Newer models with persistent memory may retain the time longer, but a full power loss usually requires a reset.

Understanding these differences helps you identify which method applies to your vehicle. If you’re unsure of your model year or trim, check your owner’s manual (usually found in the glovebox) or look for clues like a touchscreen size (6.2-inch vs. 8-inch) or the presence of steering wheel-mounted “INFO” buttons.

Method 1: Changing Time Using Steering Wheel Controls (2013–2017 Models)

For owners of earlier-generation Crosstreks—especially those from 2013 to 2017—the most reliable way to change the time is through the steering wheel controls. This method works on nearly all trims from this era, including the base, Premium, and Limited models, as long as your vehicle has a multi-information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.

The MID is that small LCD screen between your speedometer and tachometer that shows trip data, fuel economy, and—yes—the current time. To access the clock settings, you’ll use the “INFO” or “DISP” (Display) button located on the left side of your steering wheel, along with the up/down arrow keys.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

First, make sure your ignition is in the “ON” position. You don’t need to start the engine, but the dashboard must be powered up. Press the “INFO” or “DISP” button repeatedly until you see the time displayed prominently in the MID. On some models, you might need to cycle through options like “Trip A,” “Fuel Economy,” or “Range” before landing on the clock.

Once the time is visible, press and hold the “INFO” or “DISP” button for about three seconds. You’ll notice the hours begin to blink, indicating that you’re now in edit mode. Use the up arrow to increase the hour or the down arrow to decrease it. When the correct hour is shown, press the “INFO” button again to confirm and move to the minutes.

The minutes will now blink. Adjust them using the same arrow keys until you reach the right time. After setting the minutes, press “INFO” one final time to save your changes. The clock should stop blinking and display the updated time immediately.

A helpful tip: If you accidentally overshoot the correct time, don’t panic. Just keep pressing the arrow key—the clock will roll over from 12:59 to 1:00 (or 23:59 to 00:00 in 24-hour mode), so you can loop back around.

One common mistake is trying to adjust the time while the car is off. Remember, the dashboard needs power, so always turn the key to “ON” or press the start button without pressing the brake (in push-button start models). Also, if your Crosstrek uses a 12-hour format, pay attention to whether it’s AM or PM—there’s usually an indicator next to the time. Unfortunately, you can’t switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats using this method on older models; that setting is often locked or requires a dealer tool.

This steering wheel method is beloved by many owners for its simplicity and reliability. It doesn’t rely on software glitches or touchscreen responsiveness, making it ideal for cold mornings or when your fingers are chilly. Plus, it works even if your infotainment system is frozen or unresponsive.

Method 2: Using the STARLINK Infotainment Touchscreen (2016–Present)

If your Subaru Crosstrek comes equipped with the STARLINK multimedia system—typically found in 2016 and newer models, especially on Premium, Limited, and Wilderness trims—you can change the time directly from the central touchscreen. This method is more intuitive for users familiar with smartphone-style interfaces and offers additional options like automatic time sync.

To begin, ensure your vehicle is on (ignition in “ON” or engine running). Tap the “Settings” icon on the home screen of your STARLINK system. This usually looks like a gear or cogwheel and is located in the bottom-left or top-right corner, depending on your system version.

Once in Settings, look for an option labeled “Clock,” “Date & Time,” or “System.” On most 2018–2024 Crosstreks, it’s clearly listed as “Clock” near the top of the menu. Tap it to open the clock settings screen.

Here, you’ll see several options. The first is “Set Time Manually.” If you prefer full control, toggle this on and use the on-screen +/- buttons to adjust hours and minutes. You can also switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats here—a feature not available on older button-only systems.

But the real game-changer is the “Automatic Time Sync” option. When enabled, your Crosstrek uses GPS signals to automatically update the clock based on your current time zone. This means no more manual adjustments for daylight saving time or travel across regions. Simply turn this feature on, and your clock will stay accurate as long as you have a clear view of the sky (for GPS reception).

To enable automatic sync, toggle the switch next to “Automatic Time Sync” to the “On” position. The system may take a minute or two to acquire satellite data, especially if you’ve just driven through a tunnel or underground parking. Once connected, you’ll see a small GPS icon appear near the clock, confirming it’s synced.

A practical example: Imagine you drive from New York to Pennsylvania during daylight saving time transition. With automatic sync enabled, your Crosstrek will detect the time zone change and adjust the clock accordingly—no fumbling with buttons at a rest stop.

If you ever need to disable automatic sync (perhaps you’re in an area with poor GPS signal or prefer manual control), simply return to this menu and toggle it off. You can then set the time manually as described above.

One caveat: Some early STARLINK systems (2016–2017) may not support GPS-based time sync, even with navigation. In those cases, you’ll need to rely on manual input. Check your owner’s manual or look for a “GPS” indicator in the status bar to confirm capability.

Another tip: If your touchscreen seems unresponsive, try restarting the system by turning the car off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting. This often resolves minor software hiccups that prevent menu access.

Method 3: Automatic Time Sync via GPS (2018+ Models with Navigation)

For owners of 2018 and newer Subaru Crosstreks—particularly those with factory-installed navigation or advanced STARLINK systems—the easiest and most reliable way to keep your clock accurate is by enabling automatic time synchronization via GPS. This feature leverages your vehicle’s built-in GPS receiver to pull precise time data directly from satellites, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

Why is this so useful? Consider this scenario: You live near a time zone border and frequently cross into a neighboring state. Without GPS sync, you’d have to remember to change the clock every time you travel. With it enabled, your Crosstrek does the work for you—seamlessly and silently.

To activate this feature, follow the same steps as Method 2: go to Settings > Clock on your STARLINK touchscreen. Look for “Automatic Time Sync” or “Sync with GPS” and toggle it on. Once enabled, the system will periodically check satellite signals and update the clock as needed.

Most modern Crosstreks perform this sync whenever the vehicle is started and has a clear view of the sky. You might notice a brief delay the first time you enable it, as the GPS module searches for satellites. This is normal—especially if your car has been parked in a garage or under dense tree cover.

A key advantage of GPS-based timekeeping is accuracy within milliseconds. Unlike manual settings, which can drift or be entered incorrectly, satellite time is atomic-clock precise. This matters more than you might think—especially if you rely on your car’s clock for scheduling, logging trips, or syncing with calendar apps via CarPlay or Android Auto.

However, there are a few limitations to be aware of. GPS signals can be blocked by tunnels, parking garages, or heavy urban canyons (like downtown areas with tall buildings). In these cases, the system may temporarily revert to the last known time until it reacquires a signal. Additionally, if your Crosstrek’s GPS antenna is damaged or disconnected (rare but possible after repairs), automatic sync won’t work.

Another consideration is daylight saving time. While GPS provides the correct UTC time, your vehicle’s software must also know your local time zone rules to apply DST correctly. Subaru’s systems are generally up-to-date, but if you notice the clock is off by an hour during DST transitions, check that your region is correctly set in the navigation or system settings.

For travelers, this feature is a lifesaver. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or just commuting between counties, your Crosstrek will keep perfect time without any input from you. And because it’s integrated into the vehicle’s core systems, it works even if your phone is dead or you’re offline.

If you ever suspect the GPS sync isn’t working, try driving to an open area (like a parking lot) and restarting the vehicle. This often forces the system to reacquire satellites and correct any discrepancies.

Troubleshooting Common Clock Issues

Even with clear instructions, you might encounter hiccups when changing the time on your Subaru Crosstrek. Don’t worry—most issues are easy to resolve with a little patience and know-how.

One of the most frequent complaints is that the clock resets after the battery is disconnected. This is completely normal on models without persistent memory. The fix? Simply re-set the time using one of the methods above. To minimize future resets, consider using a memory saver device when working on your electrical system.

Another common issue is the clock displaying the wrong time despite correct settings. This often happens if the 12-hour/24-hour format is mismatched with your expectation. For example, 14:00 in 24-hour mode appears as 2:00 PM—but if your system is set to 12-hour without AM/PM indicators, it might look confusing. Always double-check the format in your settings.

If your steering wheel buttons don’t respond, ensure the ignition is on. Some owners try to adjust the clock with the car fully off, which won’t work. Also, check for sticky buttons—dirt or moisture can interfere with contact. A gentle clean with a damp cloth (not liquid directly on the wheel) can help.

Touchscreen unresponsiveness is another culprit. Cold weather can slow down LCD response times. If your screen is laggy, let the car warm up for a few minutes before attempting adjustments. Restarting the infotainment system (by cycling the ignition) often resolves temporary glitches.

Finally, if automatic GPS sync fails repeatedly, verify that your vehicle has a clear view of the sky. Park outdoors and restart the car. If the problem persists, consult your dealer—there may be an antenna or software issue requiring professional attention.

Tips for Maintaining Accurate Time Long-Term

Once you’ve set your clock correctly, a few best practices can help maintain accuracy and reduce future hassle.

First, enable automatic time sync if your Crosstrek supports it. This single step eliminates 90% of clock-related issues. Second, avoid unnecessary battery disconnections. If you’re doing maintenance, use a memory saver or note the current time beforehand.

Third, periodically check that your time zone is correct in the navigation settings—especially if you’ve moved or traveled extensively. Fourth, keep your STARLINK system updated. Subaru occasionally releases software updates that improve GPS performance and timekeeping.

Lastly, if you use your Crosstrek’s clock for logging trips or syncing with apps, consider cross-referencing with your phone occasionally to catch any drift early.

Conclusion

Changing the time on your Subaru Crosstrek doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re using steering wheel buttons, a touchscreen, or letting GPS do the work, the process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. By understanding your model’s capabilities and following the right method, you’ll keep your clock accurate—and your schedule on track—for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Subaru Crosstrek clock keep resetting?

This usually happens after the battery is disconnected or dies. The clock relies on constant power to maintain time, so a power loss resets it. Simply re-set the time using the steering wheel or touchscreen method.

Can I change the time while the car is off?

No, the dashboard must be powered. Turn the ignition to “ON” (or press the start button without pressing the brake) to access clock settings.

Does my Crosstrek support automatic daylight saving time changes?

Only models with GPS-based automatic time sync (typically 2018+) adjust for daylight saving time automatically. Older models require manual updates.

How do I switch between 12-hour and 24-hour format?

On STARLINK-equipped models, go to Settings > Clock and toggle the format option. Older button-only systems may not support this feature.

My touchscreen won’t let me access clock settings. What’s wrong?

Try restarting the infotainment system by turning the car off, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting. Cold weather or software glitches can cause temporary unresponsiveness.

Will changing the time affect my navigation or other systems?

No, adjusting the clock only changes the displayed time. It doesn’t impact GPS, radio presets, or vehicle performance.