What does 2 hours after ignition on mean on a Subaru?

Modern vehicles have more than 100 sensors that monitor virtually every aspect of the car’s operation. Each of several general warning lights on the dashboard may indicate a problem that may require your attention. And it’s not just diagnostic systems that engine parts and other components, such as the oxygen sensors in your caras well as advanced safety technology that monitors the area around and inside the vehicle. This progress did not happen overnight, but over the course of decades cars that revolutionized car safety forever.

For example, certain Subaru Forrester models are equipped with a Rear Seat Reminder system that activates when the rear doors are used and sends an alert to the driver to check the rear seats. This technology helps prevent tragedies when small children are accidentally left in hot cars. The automaker also offers a Driver Monitoring System that points a camera at drivers to determine if they are drowsy or distracted, delivering both visual and audio signals that draw attention back to the road.

However, several Subaru drivers have noticed a strange message on their dashboard with a number followed by “Hours From Ignition On.” With no further explanation and a host of complex safety systems offered in Subaru models, including facial recognition technology, drivers were understandably concerned. But the message simply indicates that the vehicle’s engine has been running for a few hours and it is time for the driver to take a break.

Long-term travel requires frequent breaks while driving

A tired driver covers up a yawn behind the wheel

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There are many demands you face behind the wheel and many things competing for your attention. Consistent mental focus and physical operation of a vehicle for several hours at a time can negatively impact your alertness level. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationIn 2022, fatigue resulted in 693 accidental deaths. This grim statistic includes not only people who got little sleep the night before, but also those who became increasingly tired due to prolonged driving or even the time of day.

In an effort to combat fatigued driving, the UK government recommends a 15-minute stop for every two hours of travel in his Highway code manual. And automakers like Subaru have tended to gently remind drivers how long they’ve been on the road so they consider taking a short break before continuing their journey.

A concerned owner who received the ignition message was assured by a Subaru technician JustAnswer.com“There is nothing wrong with the vehicle. Subaru has had software added to the system to remind a driver that the ignition has been on for 2 hours straight. …They thought this would be a good way to provide a reminder for a driver to take a break to stay alert.” Once the Subaru’s engine is turned off, the message will reset itself and will not display when you turn the vehicle back on.