Honda Sensing Stopped Working in the Snow?
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 Sensing sensor located on the lower front bumper of a 2020 Accord
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
Inside Front Grille: HR-V & CR-V
Behind Honda Emblem: Fit, Clarity PHEV, Passport, Pilot, 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.
Honda Sensing camera located on the top-middle section of a Honda windshield
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.
10 comment(s) so far on Honda Sensing Stopped Working in the Snow?
Thank you for posting this information about the radar sensor on the crv. I experienced this problem today in on the highway. Scary. Can you please tell me what to look for in the front grille so that I can clean it next time? Thanks again.
Hi John, the sensor location depends on what Honda you have. If there isn’t a rectangle sensor on the front of your vehicle (as pictured in the blog), it is likely tucked into the front grille. Just be sure to clear off as much snow as you can prior to driving.
Hi, kindly help me to understand this. Does the wiring of the Hondsensing camera has something to do with the reverse camera? I’m asking this because the Honda sensing camera on my 2017 honda pilot touring is removed. AAgain the rear reverse camera can’t be shown on the infotainment screen when I engage reversebest. Kindly help me to solve this problem. Waiting u to hea
Please consult with our Service Department at 814-868-9678 for assistance with this problem.
My front radar senor was stolen how much is the cost to replace it honda2018 crv
Please call the parts department of your local Honda dealer for pricing information.
3 of my sensors stopped working after a nasty snow day. But after cleaning my car in a car wash the are still not working. The 3 sensors are 1. Road Departure Mitigation System Problem
2. Adaptive Cruise Control Problem
3. Collision Mitigation System Problem
Is there a way of resetting these without going to a dealership. Thanks
Service is not available through our blog posts. Please visit or call your local Honda dealer for assistance.
Hi, looks like a spider left a web line in the front of the camera inside windshield. I was thinking that top area is sealed and will not alowed for the insects to invade. In the winter when is cold the web get shrinked and the radar is working. In the warm weather the web is geting in the camera lens, obstructing the view. Please let me know if in the Honda CRV 2019 Manual/Instructions it is a way to open and clean the front interior windshield camera? Thank you.
Please visit your local Honda dealer for assistance.