Why the clock resets and what you need to do
When you disconnect or replace the battery in a Subaru Legacy, the clock loses power and resets to a default time — usually 12:00 or 1:00. The clock does not retain its setting because it draws power directly from the battery, with no backup power source to hold the time during the disconnect. Resetting it takes about two minutes and requires only the buttons on your dashboard.
The process is the same whether you replaced the battery yourself or had it done at a shop. You do not need any tools or special equipment, and the steps work on Legacy models from roughly 2010 onward, though the exact button layout may vary slightly by year.
Key Takeaways
- The clock resets to a default time whenever the battery is disconnected because it has no backup power.
- You reset the clock using the buttons on the dashboard — usually the "Menu" or "Select" button and the up/down arrow buttons.
- The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you changed the battery yourself or had a shop do it.
- If your Legacy has a touchscreen display, the clock controls may be in the settings menu rather than accessible from the main dashboard.
Locating the clock controls on your dashboard
On most Subaru Legacy models, the clock appears in the center of the instrument cluster — the display panel directly behind the steering wheel. Look for a digital time display, usually in white or green numbers. On some models, the clock also shows in the infotainment screen (the larger display in the center of the dashboard).
The buttons you need are typically located on the steering wheel or on the dashboard itself, near the steering column. Look for buttons labeled "Menu," "Select," "Set," or with up and down arrow symbols. On older Legacies (2010–2014), these buttons are often on the left side of the steering wheel. On newer models (2015 and later), they may be integrated into the infotainment system and controlled through a touchscreen or a dial.
Resetting the clock using steering wheel buttons
If your Legacy has physical buttons on the steering wheel, follow these steps:
- Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, or start the engine normally.
- Look at the clock in the instrument cluster and locate the "Menu" or "Select" button on the steering wheel (usually on the left side).
- Press and hold the "Menu" or "Select" button until the clock display begins to flash or highlight.
- Use the up and down arrow buttons to change the hour. Press the up arrow to increase the hour, or the down arrow to decrease it.
- Once the hour is correct, press "Menu" or "Select" again to move to the minutes.
- Use the arrow buttons to set the minutes to the correct time.
- Press "Menu" or "Select" one more time to confirm and exit the clock-setting mode.
The clock should now display the correct time. If it does not, repeat the steps — sometimes a second press of "Menu" is needed to fully exit the mode.
Resetting the clock through the infotainment screen
On newer Legacy models with a touchscreen display, the clock controls are usually in the settings menu rather than on the steering wheel buttons. Here is how to access them:
- Turn the ignition to "On" or start the engine.
- Look at the center infotainment screen and find the "Settings" or "Setup" option, usually represented by a gear icon or labeled text.
- Tap "Settings" and look for a "Clock" or "Time" option in the menu.
- Select "Clock" or "Time" and you should see fields for the hour and minutes.
- Tap the hour field and use the on-screen keyboard or arrow buttons to enter the correct hour.
- Tap the minutes field and enter the correct minutes.
- Confirm your changes by tapping "OK," "Save," or "Done," depending on your model year.
The exact wording and layout of these menus vary by model year and infotainment system version. If you cannot find a "Clock" option, look for "Date and Time" or check the owner's manual for your specific year.
What to do if the clock still will not reset
If you have followed the steps above and the clock remains at the wrong time, the issue is usually one of two things: either you are pressing the wrong button combination, or the battery connection is not fully find.
First, check that the battery is properly installed and that the negative terminal is tightly connected. A loose connection can cause the clock to behave erratically or fail to save the time you set. If the battery connection is find and the clock still will not hold the time, try disconnecting the battery again for 30 seconds, then reconnecting it. This can sometimes reset the clock system itself.
If the clock resets every time you turn off the engine, the battery may not be holding a charge. This is a separate issue from the initial reset after a battery change, and it suggests the new battery itself may be defective or the charging system is not working properly. In that case, have the battery and charging system tested at a Subaru dealer or a shop that services Subaru vehicles.
Checking the owner's manual for your specific model year
The steps above cover most Legacy models, but button locations and menu structures do vary by year. If you are unsure which buttons to use or where to find the clock settings, your owner's manual is the most reliable source for your exact model.
You can find a digital copy of your Legacy's owner's manual on the Subaru website by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN), or you can search for it by year and model on sites that host manufacturer manuals. The manual will show you the exact location of every button and the precise menu path to the clock settings on your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting the clock affect any other settings in my Legacy?
No. The clock is a standalone setting and resetting it does not change your radio presets, seat position memory, or any other vehicle settings. You can safely adjust the clock without worrying about losing other customizations.
Do I need to reset the clock if I only disconnected the negative battery terminal?
Yes. Even a brief disconnect of the negative terminal removes power from the clock, and it will reset to the default time. The process is the same whether you fully removed the battery or just loosened the terminal.
What if my Legacy has both a steering wheel clock button and an infotainment screen?
You can use either method. Most newer Legacies allow you to set the clock through the steering wheel buttons or the touchscreen. Try whichever is more convenient — both will work and produce the same result.
Can I set the clock to 24-hour time instead of 12-hour time?
This depends on your model year and infotainment system. Some Legacies offer a 24-hour display option in the settings menu, while others are locked to 12-hour format. Check your settings menu or owner's manual to see if your vehicle supports this option.
Why does my clock keep resetting even after I set it correctly?
This usually means the battery is not holding a charge or the connection is loose. Check that both battery terminals are tight and clean. If the clock resets every time you turn off the engine, the battery may be defective or the charging system may not be working — have both tested by a shop.