Headlight Leveler System Information – 2019 Subaru Forester

NHTSA ID Number: 10165504

Manufacturer Communication Number: 10-179-19

Summary

This Service Information Bulletin provides a procedure to “reset” the headlight leveler system. After an affected vehicle is transported on a flatbed or other type of carrier, the headlight beam adjustment may become either too high or too low. During normal operation, system sensors measure inclination of the road surface in comparison to the vehicle and adjust the headlight beams accordingly. When moving the vehicle with the ignition off (typically during transport), the next time the ignition is ON, the system may adjust the headlights to the wrong height. Although the system will automatically adjust the headlights to the proper height after driving, the reset procedure below can be performed when necessary to eliminate the delay time needed for the system to readjust on its own.

 

1 Affected Product

Vehicle

SUBARU

FORESTER

2019

 

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NUMBER: 01-179-19
DATE: 09/09/19

APPLICABILITY:	2019MY Forester
SUBJECT:	Headlight Leveler System Information

 

INTRODUCTION:

This Service Information Bulletin provides a procedure to “reset” the headlight leveler system.  After an affected vehicle is transported on a flatbed or other type of carrier, the headlight beam adjustment may become either too high or too low.  During normal operation, system sensors measure inclination of the road surface in comparison to the vehicle and adjust the headlight beams accordingly.  When moving the vehicle with the ignition off (typically during transport), the next time the ignition is ON, the system may adjust the headlights to the wrong height.  Although the system will automatically adjust the headlights to the proper height after driving, the reset procedure below can be performed when necessary to eliminate the delay time needed for the system to readjust on its own.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

The following procedure will help “clarify” the existing Service Manual Headlamp Leveler Reinitialization procedure for the models applicable to this bulletin.

IMPORTANT:  Always make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface with a person in the driver’s seat before proceeding.

 

Step 1) Open the hood and remove the cover to access the Main Fuse Box (M/B).

 

Step 2) Install the spare 30A fuse from the underside of the M/B cover into the Delivery Mode fuse slot as shown below.  (Do not remove any fuses from the M/B.)

 

Step 3) With the headlights switched all the way ON as shown above (not to Auto), turn the ignition ON and within 10 seconds, cycle the headlight switch from ON to OFF then back ON again 5 times.

Observe on the 5th cycle, the headlight beams will raise and dip slightly then re-center.

 

Step 4) Turn the ignition and headlights OFF.

 

Step 5) Repeat Step 3 while watching for the orange headlight leveler system warning lamp at the bottom of the combination meter multi-function display to flash 3 times quickly.  The flashing indicates the headlight leveler reinitialization procedure has been completed successfully.

 

Step 6) Remove the Delivery Mode fuse and return it to the underside of the M/B cover with the rest of the spares to complete the procedure.

NOTE:  If normal operation is not restored, diagnose the headlamp leveler system following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
• Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
• Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

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NUMBER: 01-179-19
DATE: 09/09/19

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10165504

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10165504-0001.pdf

 

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Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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