Honda Sensing Stopped Working in the Snow?

January 20th, 2020 by

As the snowfall in Erie gains momentum this winter, it is important to be mindful of the Honda Sensing safety sensors. If snow, ice, and other winter debris collects on your Honda, the sensors may be compromised, which in turn will make Honda Sensing unavailable.

To keep Honda Sensing working properly, it’s important to understand where the sensors are on your vehicle, and to keep them free of snow or ice. Honda Sensing employs the use of two distinctly different kinds of sensors, a radar sensor located at the front of the vehicle and a front sensor camera mounted to the interior side of the windshield, behind the rear view mirror.

Radar Sensor

The radar sensor works in conjunction with the front sensor camera to execute the functions of Honda Sensing, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

Honda emblem on the front of a red honda accord with other cars in the background

Location of the radar varies from model to model, but will be found in one of three places:

Lower Front Bumper: Civic Family, Accord Family, Insight, Prelude

Inside Front Grille: HR-V & CR-V

Behind Honda Emblem: Fit, Clarity PHEV, Passport, Pilot, Prologue, Ridgeline, Odyssey

To clean the sensor, use your snow broom or brush to clear the area as best as possible. For the sensor located in the front grille, you may need to use your hand to wipe the snow off the sensor block.

Front Sensor Camera

We’re stating the obvious when we say you need to clear your windshield of snow and ice in order to drive safely. However, a little extra care is needed in the top-middle portion of your windshield as this is where Honda Sensing camera is located for all models equipped with Honda Sensing. Since the camera is on the inside of your vehicle, clean your windshield as you normally would using your defroster, ice scraper, and/or snow broom.

Red Honda Accord windshield with honda sensing camera

If you have properly cleared off your camera and radar sensor but suspect it isn’t working properly, give our Service Department a call at 814-864-6765 for assistance. As a friendly reminder, be sure to clear your entire vehicle of snow and ice prior to driving.


Bianchi Honda is an award-winning dealership in Erie, PA, and serves the surrounding area of Edinboro, Jamestown, and Meadville.

Shop New Cars | Shop Used Cars | Schedule Service | Apply for Financing | Shop Honda CR-Vs