Just saw this post about the heated seats on the 2025 Forester finally being fixed. They were apparently limited by software before. Thought I’d share the source here: https://www.subaruforester.org/posts/7942348/.
What is a .pak file? Can Subaru release one that removes the fake gears in the CVT? Would love to see that!
Avi said:
What is a .pak file? Can Subaru release one that removes the fake gears in the CVT? Would love to see that!
Which Forester models have those simulated shifts in the CVT?
Avi said:
What is a .pak file? Can Subaru release one that removes the fake gears in the CVT? Would love to see that!
Which Forester models have those simulated shifts in the CVT?
Started with the 2017 models. I actually test-drove a 2016 and loved the smooth transmission, but when I bought the 2017, I got those simulated shifts. It really should just be a setting you can toggle.
Do you even need heated seats in the summer? Especially with leather seats, they get hot enough already 
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CarLoverDave1 said:
Do you even need heated seats in the summer? Especially with leather seats, they get hot enough already
I like using the heated seats on long road trips for my back. You can always adjust the AC to stay cool while using them.
@Flynn
Same! I’ve turned them on for back pain even when it wasn’t that cold out.
CarLoverDave1 said:
Do you even need heated seats in the summer? Especially with leather seats, they get hot enough already
I honestly don’t use them. I grew up in Michigan, and maybe I would’ve used them there, but in Texas? No thanks. Coldest winter days here don’t make me want heated seats. But if they aren’t working right, it still makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
I tested the seat warmers when it was warm out, and they didn’t seem to work. But yesterday morning, it was 45°F, and my seat got really hot. The heat seems concentrated in a few spots though, not evenly distributed.
This is on a 2025 Sport model.
@Heather
Same here. It was 36°F this morning, and the seat warmers worked perfectly.
Thanks for the heads up, OP. You just saved me a trip to the dealership.
Flynn said:
Thanks for the heads up, OP. You just saved me a trip to the dealership.
Glad to help! Someone mentioned it in a comment elsewhere, but it really needed its own post.
Glad they got the Pak Man to sort this out!
AlexToyotaEnthusiast said:
Glad they got the Pak Man to sort this out!
Lol, well said.
Does anyone know what temperature the 2024 and earlier Foresters heat up to?
Alton said:
Does anyone know what temperature the 2024 and earlier Foresters heat up to?
I’m curious too. I’ve always felt like the Forester’s seat heaters were weaker compared to other brands.
Alton said:
Does anyone know what temperature the 2024 and earlier Foresters heat up to?
I have no idea, but since mine worked fine, I never thought to check.
Is installing a .pak file something I can do, or does it need to be done at the dealership?
trecy said:
Is installing a .pak file something I can do, or does it need to be done at the dealership?
From what I’ve read, you can do it yourself from the car’s settings. You might need Wi-Fi or a hotspot, or you can take it to the dealer if that’s easier.
@Shinji
Oh nice! That’s easy enough. Thanks.