Subaru Forester, 2008-2019

After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.

The Subaru Forester is manufactured with a direct TPMS system, which means TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).

When a sensor is replaced for one or more wheels and/or tires have been rotated on a Subaru Forrester, a TPMS relearn is recommended to transfer the new TPMS sensor ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU, according to the TIA relearn chart.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU

OE and Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for TPMS sensor replacement:

All OE, programmable, configurable, hybrid and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options and service kits can be found in the VT56, VT46 brands, and VT36 TPMS Tools.

Type of TPMS frequency:

• 315MHz

Type of Relearn procedures:

• OBD relearn (requires OBD module)

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS diagnostic scan tool with OBDII module (VT56, VT55)
• TPMS activation tool (VT15, VT31, VT36) combined with a diagnostic scan tool that has TPMS transfer capabilities through the DLC
• TPMS activation tool (VT15, VT31, VT36) combined with the TPMS QUICKSET

OBD relearn:

VT56/VT55/VT46 brands combined with an OBDII MODULE

The video below displays an OBD relearn on a Toyota vehicle, but the same relearn procedure steps will work with a Subaru Forester.

• OBDII module is required
• Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left tire tires (and spare if required)
• Apply OBDII module to DLC
• Turn ignition ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer the TPMS sensor data to the vehicle’s ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from the DLC
• Turn ignition OFF then ON
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 12 mph or more

OBD Relearn, Quickset Tool and TPMS Activation Tool combo for DIY’ers:

The video below demonstrates an OBD relearn a Hyundai Azera, but the same procedure will work for most Subaru Forester years. To check to see if the QUICKSET is compatible for your vehicle, check the compatibility chart in the QUICKSET PRODUCT PAGE.

Before you begin:

Be sure to have the TPMS sensor ID information for the sensors in the wheels that are not currently registered with the vehicle. Use a TPMS activation or trigger tool that displays the sensor ID’s on the screen, such as a VT31 or VT36 to read the TPMS sensor ID’s, then be sure to write them down.

Next, make sure the ATQUICKSET software is installed on your PC. Connect the tool to your PC using the USB cable that comes with the kit.

• Open the ATQuickset software on your PC. Select NEW VEHICLE at the top of the screen. Select the vehicle MAKE, MODEL and YEAR you are working with. Select OK to continue.
• Disconnect the tool from the PC, turn the ignition ON.
• Connect the Quickset to your vehicle’s DLC underneath the dash. The LED indicator light will blink green.
• Press either WINTER or SUMMER on the Quickset, depending on which tires you are swapping out. The LED indicator light should be solid green indicating it can now be disconnected.
• Connect the Quickset to your PC, press the SUMMER or WINTER button on the ATQuickset software for the tires that are installed at the moment.
• Next, the software will instruct you to enter the TPMS sensor ID’s for the other season, beginning with the left front sensor. Select SAVE TO QUICKSET once all ID’s are entered. Continue to follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once all the steps have been completed, the Quickset should now have programmed to easily switch between summer and winter tires through the OBDII port with the press of the summer or winter button. The TPMS sensor ID’s will be written to the vehicle’s ECU.

Troubleshooting tips

An OBD relearn is required during the following circumstances to register new or existing TPMS sensor ID’s to the appropriate locations:

• If the tire pressure sensor location has been changed when rotating tires
• If a TPMS sensor has been replaced
• If the tire pressure monitor control module has been replaced
• When wheels are changed when installing winter/summer tires

If tires are rotated, the performance and function of TPMS are not affected, but it is recommended to perform a TPMS reset to transfer sensor ID’s because the tire position will not display in the Subaru Select Monitor correctly.

If the ignition switch is turned off during the relearn procedure, or the relearn procedure is not performed within five minutes, registration mode will be cancelled and must be performed over again.

TPMS DTC code information

Use the VT56 to retrieve and clear Subaru TPMS DTC codes by selecting the “Service” icon. After selecting the Make, Model, and Year, select the DTC code icon. Use the OBDII module to retrieve the Subaru DTC TPMS information to diagnose and service the TPMS issues determined.