Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2018 Subaru Forester 2.0XT PremiumFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Select Lever: Installation
- Set the select lever assembly to the vehicle body.
- Tighten the four mounting bolts to attach the select lever assembly to the vehicle body.
Tightening torque:Β
18 N.m (1.8 kgf-m, 13.3 ft-lb)
- Connect the harness connector.
- Install the harness clip to the select lever assembly.
- Shift the select lever to "N" range.
- Install the blind A to the housing. (Model with gate shifter)NOTE: The blind A should be installed so that it is securely caught inside the tab of the housing.
- Install the blind B behind the blind A. (Model with gate shifter)
- Install the housing. (Model with gate shifter)
- Install the indicator assembly, then connect the connector. (Model with boot shifter)NOTE: Insert the select lever through the blind hole sufficiently.
- Install the panel center LWR LH and RH. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>Console Box>INSTALLATION .
- Install the indicator cover, then connect the connector. (Model with gate shifter)
- Install the console box assembly. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>Console Box>INSTALLATION .
- Install the cover - shift lever. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>Console Box>INSTALLATION .
- Install the ornament panel - consoles LH and RH. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>Console Box>INSTALLATION .
- Accessing from the button side of the grip, attach the clamp grip pin.
- Install the cover grip AT securely. (Model with gate shifter)NOTE: After installation, check that the cover grip AT cannot be detached.
- Insert the grip assembly to the select lever and press it down until a click is heard.
- Securely install the boot assembly. (Model with boot shifter)NOTE: After installation, check that the boot assembly does not come off.
- After installation of grip, check the following points.
- The grip will not come off.
- The button on the grip operates normally.
- Shift the select lever to "N" range.
- Lift up the vehicle.
- Secure the cable to the bracket. Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>Select Cable>INSTALLATIONΒ .
- Adjust the select cable position. Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>Select Cable>ADJUSTMENTΒ .
- After adjustment, confirm that the select lever operates properly at all range positions using the shift lock release button.NOTE: According to the select lever operation, confirm that the indicator positions are shown correctly.
- Install the center exhaust cover.
Tightening torque:Β
18 N.m (1.8 kgf-m, 13.3 ft-lb)
- Install the center exhaust pipe. (Non-turbo model) Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DO)>Center Exhaust Pipe>INSTALLATION .
- Install the center exhaust pipe (rear). (Turbo model) Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>Center Exhaust Pipe>INSTALLATION .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Connect the battery ground terminal.
- Inspect the following items. If a malfunction is found in the inspection, adjust the select cable or inhibitor switch.
- The shift lock operates normally. Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>AT Shift Lock Control System>INSPECTION>SHIFT LOCK OPERATIONΒ .
- Engine starts when the select lever is in "P" or "N" range, but not in other ranges.
- Back-up light illuminates when the select lever is in the "R" range, but not in other ranges.
- Select lever and indicator positions are matched.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
