How to Jump Start Subaru Forester: The Ultimate Guide

The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for its rugged reliability and all-wheel-drive capabilities. However, even the most reliable vehicles can experience battery issues. If you find yourself stranded with a dead battery, knowing how to jump start your Subaru Forester is essential. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly and safely.

Essential Tools and Safety Precautions

Before we dive into the jump starting procedure, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and understand safety precautions:

• Jump starter cables: These are the most important tools for jump starting. Ensure they are in good condition, with clean, tight connections.
• A working vehicle: You’ll need another vehicle with a fully charged battery to provide the jump start.
• Protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to prevent electrical shocks.
• Safety first: Never attempt to jump start a vehicle with a damaged battery or a leaking battery.

Location of the Subaru Forester Battery

The location of your Subaru Forester’s battery may vary depending on the model year. However, it’s typically found under the hood, in the front passenger side compartment. Here’s a general guide:

1. Open the hood: Locate the hood release lever inside your vehicle and pull it to open the hood.
2. Identify the battery: Look for a black rectangular box with red and black terminals. The battery might be secured with a plastic cover or a metal clamp.
3. Locate the terminals: The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+” sign and is typically red. The negative terminal is marked with a “-” sign and is usually black.

The Jump Starting Procedure

With the tools gathered and the battery located, follow these steps to jump start your Subaru Forester:

1. Park the vehicles: Park both vehicles on a flat surface, ensuring they are not touching. Turn off both vehicles and engage the parking brake.
2. Connect the positive cables: Connect the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery in your Subaru Forester. Then, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working vehicle’s battery.
3. Connect the negative cables: Connect the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery. Then, connect the other end of the black cable to a metal grounding point on your Subaru Forester‘s frame, away from the battery. Avoid connecting the negative cable to the battery’s negative terminal on the Subaru Forester.
4. Start the working vehicle: With all cables securely connected, start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the battery to charge.
5. Start the Subaru Forester: Try starting your Subaru Forester. If it doesn’t start immediately, try again after letting the working vehicle run for a few more minutes.
6. Disconnect the cables: Once the Subaru Forester engine is running, disconnect the cables in reverse order. Start with the negative cables, followed by the positive cables.

Troubleshooting Jump Starting Issues

If your Subaru Forester doesn‘t start after following the jump starting procedure, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check the connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected and that the connections are clean and free of corrosion.
• Battery condition: If the battery is very old or damaged, jump starting may not be effective. Consider replacing the battery.
• Starter motor: If the starter motor is faulty, the jump start may not work. You’ll need to have the starter motor inspected and potentially replaced.
• Other electrical issues: Check for any other electrical problems that may be preventing the vehicle from starting.

After Jump Starting: Charging and Maintenance

After successfully jump starting your Subaru Forester, it’s essential to charge the battery fully. Here’s how:

• Drive for extended periods: Driving your Subaru Forester for at least 30 minutes will help charge the battery.
• Use a battery charger: If you can’t drive immediately, use a battery charger to fully charge the battery.
• Regular maintenance: Regularly check your battery’s fluid level and terminals for corrosion. Replace the battery if it’s showing signs of age or damage.

Avoiding Battery Issues in the Future

To avoid future battery issues, consider these preventative measures:

• Regular battery checks: Have your battery checked regularly by a mechanic.
• Avoid leaving lights on: Make sure all lights and accessories are turned off when you park your vehicle.
• Use a battery tender: If you don’t drive your vehicle frequently, consider using a battery tender to maintain a charge.
• Replace the battery when necessary: A battery’s lifespan is typically 3-5 years. Replace it before it fails completely.

Beyond the Jump Start: Understanding Battery Issues

Jump starting is a temporary solution. If you experience frequent battery issues, it’s a sign that something else might be wrong. Here are some common culprits:

• Alternator problems: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. A faulty alternator can lead to a constantly draining battery.
• Electrical system faults: A short circuit or other electrical problem can drain your battery.
• Parasitic draw: Even when the car is off, some components may draw power, leading to a slow battery drain.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Subaru Forester Running Smoothly

Knowing how to jump start your Subaru Forester is a valuable skill that can save you time and hassle. However, remember that jump starting is a temporary solution. If you experience frequent battery issues, it’s crucial to diagnose and address the underlying problem. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can keep your Subaru Forester running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Answers to Your Questions

1. How long can I drive my Subaru Forester after jump starting it?

You should drive your Subaru Forester for at least 30 minutes after jump starting it to allow the alternator to fully charge the battery.

2. Can I use a battery booster instead of jump cables?

Yes, a battery booster can be used to jump start your Subaru Forester. They offer a more convenient and safer way to jump start a vehicle.

3. What happens if I connect the jump cables incorrectly?

Connecting the jump cables incorrectly can cause sparks, damage to the electrical system, and even personal injury. Always follow the instructions carefully.

4. How often should I check my Subaru Forester‘s battery?

It’s a good idea to check your battery’s fluid level and terminals for corrosion at least once a year. If you notice any signs of damage or age, replace the battery.

5. Can I jump start my Subaru Forester if the battery is completely frozen?

No, you should not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. The battery could explode, causing serious injury. Wait for the battery to thaw before attempting to jump start it.