I've been trying to rectify this problem; the lights flash every few seconds after I removed the battery cables and re-installed them.  Is the remedy to tighten the cable bolts? Also why is it so hard to work those clamps with pliers??

I'm missing something.? .. I've never seen a battery clamp that is supposed to be "worked" with pliers...

 

Every one I've seen has a nut, which is turned with a wrench, to loosen or tighten for removal or installation.

I'm still trying to figure out the remedy to this problem of the lights that flash every couple seconds after removing the battery cable.  

 

On the loosening of the battery clamps, many people do not have a 10 mm etc. wrench handy, so solutions without one should be suggested.

It's the security System.

You have reset button, small black button usually under the drivers side kick panel. Put the key in and turn it on and then press and hold the reset button.

If you have a fob, hold down the unlock button for 5 sec. Worked on my 99 forester.

OK, thanks, it was the reset button connected to the remote lock/unlock system which I do not use.