Subaru Forester 2023 Seat Heater and Seatbelts Base

The Seat Heater and Seatbelts Base on the 2023 Subaru Forester are two crucial elements that improve passenger comfort and safety. The sophisticated seatbelt system offers essential safety in the event of an emergency, while the seat warming guarantees a warm and comfortable ride, particularly in the winter months. These features demonstrate Subaru’s dedication to passenger well-being and guarantee that 2023 Forester occupants will have a cozy and safe ride.

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Seat heater (if equipped)

The seat heater is equipped in the front seats or rear seats (window side seating position). The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” position.

Safety precautions

• People with delicate skin may suffer slight burns even at low temperatures if they use the seat heater for a long period of time. When using the heater, always be sure to warn the persons concerned.
• Do not put anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, or similar items. This may cause the seat heater to overheat.
• When the seat is warmed enough or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn off the seat heater.

NOTE
The use of the seat heater for a long period of time, while the engine is not running, can cause battery discharge.

Front seat heater

Front seats

1. HI – Rapid heating
2. LO – Normal heating
3. Off
   • Left-hand side
   • Right-hand side

To turn on the seat heater, push the “LO” or “HI” position on the switch, as desired, depending on the temperature. Selecting the “HI” position will cause the seat to heat up more quicker. To turn off the seat heater, lightly press the opposite side of the current position. The indicator located on the switch illuminates when the seat heater is in operation.

Rear seat heater (if equipped)
Do not open and close the center console lid while operating the rear seat heater switch. There is the risk of fingers being caught in the lid. The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.

Rear seat heater switch

1. HIGH mode indicators
2. LOW mode indicators

• Left-hand side
• Right-hand side

Press the rear seat heater switch. Each time you press the switch, the mode will change as follows.

When the LOW mode is selected, the LOW mode indicator on the rear seat heater switch illuminates. When the HIGH mode is selected, both the LOW and HIGH mode indicators illuminate. When the OFF mode is selected, all the indicators turn off. Selecting “HIGH” mode will cause the seat to heat up more quickly.

NOTE
Only the front seat heater switches retain the previous switch position even if the vehicle has restarted. The rear seat heater switch will reset.

Seat Belts

Seatbelt safety tips

• All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
• All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose-fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury.
• Each seatbelt is designed to support only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more persons – even children. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.
• Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and attach hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. The entire assembly should be replaced even if the damage is not obvious.
• Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of the injury.
• Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a collision, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of across the weaker abdomen.
• Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.
• Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.

WARNING
Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.

CAUTION
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can become very hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn an occupant. Do not touch such hot parts until they cool. Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which will record the use of the seatbelt by the front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploy.

Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle.

Children
Place children in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child restraint systems and those that have outgrown child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint system or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s height and weight. Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward-facing child restraint systems) in the REAR seats at all times. NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.  If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and be restrained using seatbelts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat. If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, move the child closer to the belt buckle to help provide a good shoulder belt fit. Care must be taken to securely place the lap belt as low as possible on the hips and not on the child’s waist. If the shoulder portion of the belt cannot be properly positioned, a child restraint system should be used. Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back.

Expectant mothers

Expectant mothers also need to use seatbelts. They should consult their doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips, not over the waist.

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
The driver’s seatbelt has an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The emergency locking retractor allows normal body movement but the retractor locks automatically during a sudden stop, impact or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

 Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)
Each passenger’s seatbelt has an Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR). The Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor normally functions as an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The ALR/ELR has an additional locking mode “Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode” intended to secure a child restraint system. When the seatbelt is once drawn out completely and is then retracted even slightly, the retractor locks the seatbelt in that position and the seatbelt cannot be extended. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the retractor functions as an ALR. When the seatbelt is retracted fully, the ALR mode is released. When securing a child restraint system on the rear seats by the use of the seatbelt, the seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. When the child restraint system is removed, make sure that the seatbelt re-tracts fully and the retractor returned to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode.

 Fastening the seatbelt

Front seatbelts

1. Adjust the seat position according to the following procedure.
2. Driver’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control. Front passenger’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seat as far back as possible.
3.  Sit well back in the seat.
4. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted.
   • If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly.
   • If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.
5. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
   
6. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the shoulder belt.
7. Place the lap belt as low as possible on the hips, not on the waist.

Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor height

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best suited for the driver/front passenger. Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.

To raise:
Slide the anchor up.

To lower:
Pull the release knob and slide the anchor down. Pull down the anchor to make sure that it is locked in place.

WARNING
When wearing seatbelts, make sure the shoulder portion of the webbing does not pass over your neck. If it does, adjust the seatbelt anchor to a lower position. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sudden braking or in a collision.

Unfastening the seatbelt

1 Button

1. Push the button on the buckle.
2. Retract the seatbelt slowly to prevent it from getting tangled or twisted.

Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.

Rear seatbelts (except rear center seatbelt)

1. Sit well back in the seat.
2. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted.
   • If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly.
   • If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.
     
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
4. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the shoulder belt.
   
5. Place the lap belt as low as possible on the hips, not on the waist.

Button

1. Push the button on the buckle.
2.  Retract the seatbelt slowly to prevent it from getting tangled or twisted.

Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.

Rear center seatbelt

1. Center seatbelt tongue plate
2. Anchor tongue plate
3. Anchor buckle
4. Center seatbelt buckle

Fastening the seatbelt with the webbing twist can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, especially when inserting the anchor tongue plate into the mating buckle (on the right-hand side), always check that the webbing is not twisted. Fastening the seatbelt with the webbing twist can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, especially when inserting the anchor tongue plate into the mating buckle (on the right-hand side), always check that the webbing is not twisted.

 

WARNING

• Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective buckles. If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the anchor tongue plate not fastened to the connector’s buckle on the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wearer in position in an accident, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
• The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to the extended position. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.

The rear center seatbelt is stowed in the recess of the ceiling.

1. Retrieve the anchor tongue plate from the slot in the recess by pulling the anchor tongue plate, then pull out the seatbelt slowly.
2. Pass the seatbelt through the belt guide.
3.  After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the anchor tongue plate attached at the webbing end into the buckle on the right-hand side until a click sounds.
   • If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly.
   • If the belt still cannot be unlocked, give it a strong pull and let it retract slightly, then pull it out slowly again.
     
4. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate into the center seatbelt buckle marked “CENTER” on the left-hand side until it clicks.
   
5. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the shoulder belt.
6. Place the lap belt as low as possible on the hips, not on the waist.

Unfastening the seatbelt

1 Button

1. Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt.
   NOTE
   When the seatback is folded down, it is necessary to disconnect the connector.
   
2.  Insert a tongue plate or other hard-pointed object into the slot in the anchor buckle on the right-hand side and push it in. The anchor tongue plate will then disconnect from the buckle.
3. With the belt held by a hand, allow the retractor to roll up the belt slowly. You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plate in the recess on the ceiling and then insert the anchor tongue plate into the slot located at the front of the recess.

 

• Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. Otherwise, the metal tongue plates may hit against the trim, resulting in damaged trim.
• Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are neatly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit the trim during driving, causing damage to the trim.

Seatbelt maintenance
To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously affect their strength. Inspect the seatbelts and attachments including the webbing and all hardware periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Re-place the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.

CAUTION

•  Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid.
• Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating properly.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the seat heater in the 2023 Subaru Forester?
The seat heater is designed to provide warmth and comfort to passengers, especially during cold weather.

How many levels of seat heating are available in the 2023 Forester?
The Forester typically offers multiple levels of seat heating that passengers can adjust to their preferences.

Can the seat heater be used in both the front and rear seats of the Forester?
The seat heater is usually available for the front seats, providing added comfort to the driver and front passenger.

Is there a timer or auto-shutoff feature for the seat heater?
Some models may include a timer or auto-shutoff feature for safety and energy conservation.

What safety features are included in the seatbelt base of the 2023 Forester?
The Seatbelts Base typically includes standard safety features such as pretensioners and force limiters to enhance seatbelt effectiveness.

Are there height-adjustable seatbelts in the 2023 Forester?
Some models may offer height-adjustable seatbelts to accommodate passengers of varying sizes.

Do the rear seats have seatbelt reminders in the 2023 Forester?
Many modern vehicles include seatbelt reminders for both front and rear seats to encourage passengers to buckle up.

Is there a child safety seat anchor system in the 2023 Forester?
Yes, the Forester typically includes the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for securing child safety seats.

Are there adjustable shoulder belt anchors in the Forester’s seatbelt base?
Some models may offer adjustable shoulder belt anchors for added comfort and safety.

How many passengers can the 2023 Forester safely accommodate?
The Forester typically seats up to five passengers comfortably.

Is the Seatbelts Base designed to enhance crash safety in the Forester?
Yes, the seatbelt base is an integral part of the vehicle’s overall safety system, designed to protect passengers during collisions.

Are there different seatbelt configurations for the front and rear seats?
The front and rear seats may have different seatbelt configurations to optimize safety and comfort.

Can seatbelt tension be adjusted in the 2023 Forester?
Some models may offer seatbelt tension adjustment options for a personalized fit.

Are there specific guidelines for proper seatbelt usage in the Forester?
Yes, the owner’s manual typically provides guidelines for correct seatbelt usage to ensure maximum safety.

Does the 2023 Forester include advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems?
The Forester may offer advanced safety features as part of its overall safety package, but these can vary by trim level and options.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)