How do I set up driver assist system on my Honda?
To set up Honda driver assist, turn on Honda Sensing with the MAIN button on the steering wheel, then set a speed for Adaptive Cruise Control and enable Lane Keeping Assist as desired; you can customize distances and features in the vehicle’s Driver Assist settings if your model supports it. Always stay attentive and ready to take control.
What Honda Driver Assist does
Honda Driver Assist, commonly marketed as Honda Sensing, includes features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). These systems monitor the road with sensors and assist with speed, following distance, and lane position, but they do not replace driver responsibility or fully autonomous driving. Use it as an aid and remain vigilant at all times.
Activating Honda Sensing and Adaptive Cruise Control
Follow these steps to activate Honda Sensing and ACC on most Honda models. The exact labels and button locations can vary by year and trim, so consult your owner's manual if anything looks different.
- With the engine on and the vehicle in Drive, press the MAIN button on the left side of the steering wheel to turn on Honda Sensing. An indicator on the instrument cluster should illuminate.
- To enable Adaptive Cruise Control, press the CRUISE/RES/SET button and use the stalk or steering wheel controls to set your desired speed.
- Adjust the following distance using the distance controls (often labeled with distance icons or +/- on the stalk or wheel controls). A distance indicator appears on the instrument cluster.
- If your model supports Lane Keeping Assist, activate LKAS (often via a dedicated button on the steering wheel or via the menu). LKAS will help keep the car centered in the lane when lane markings are visible.
Indicator icons on the dashboard will confirm which features are active. If you don’t see indicators, the system may be unavailable due to sensor obstruction, weather conditions, or road markings. Always verify functionality in daylight and clear conditions before relying on it.
Customizing Driver Assist settings
Many Honda models allow you to tailor Driver Assist features through the vehicle’s infotainment or instrument cluster menus. The following steps cover typical paths; exact navigation may vary by model/year.
- Turn on the vehicle and access the center touchscreen (or instrument cluster menu).
- Navigate to Settings > Driver Assist System or Settings > Vehicle Settings (the exact path varies by model).
- Choose the features you want to enable or adjust, such as ACC following distance (short/medium/long), LKAS sensitivity, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
- Save or exit the menu; your selections should remain active until you change them again.
Note: Not all features are available on every trim. If you don’t see certain options, your vehicle may not support them or they may require a software update from a dealer.
Safety reminders and limitations
Driver Assist systems are intended to aid, not replace, attentive driving. They rely on road markings, weather, and sensor visibility, and can be less effective in rain, snow, fog, glare, construction zones, or on unfamiliar roads. Always keep your hands on the wheel when using these features and be prepared to intervene. Follow local laws and manufacturer guidance for the use of driver-assist technologies.
Troubleshooting and maintenance
If the system won’t activate or you notice warning messages, try these quick checks and steps:
- Ensure the windshield camera and sensors are clean and unobstructed.
- Check for system fault messages on the dashboard and consult the owner’s manual if a fault is indicated.
- Verify tires are properly inflated and the vehicle is up to date with any available software updates at your Honda dealer.
- If problems persist, schedule a service appointment with your Honda dealer or certified technician.
Regular maintenance and software updates help keep Driver Assist features functioning as designed. Always rely on your judgment and drive defensively even when these systems are active.
Summary
Setting up Honda Driver Assist involves enabling Honda Sensing with the MAIN button, configuring Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist, and adjusting settings in the vehicle’s Driver Assist menu when available. Use these tools as safety aids, not a substitute for driver attention, and follow up with routine maintenance and updates to ensure optimal performance.
What does it mean when it says service driver assist system?
A "service driver assist system" message means there is a potential issue with one or more of your car's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, or automatic emergency braking. Common causes include a dirty or damaged sensor, a system malfunction, or a software glitch, and it typically requires professional diagnosis to resolve.
What driver assist systems do
- Aid with driving and safety: ADAS use cameras, sensors, and other technology to help with driving tasks and enhance safety.
- Features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
- Forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking
- Side blind zone alert
- Driver attention monitoring
What to do when you see the message
- Check for obvious issues: Make sure cameras and sensors (often located on the windshield, front bumper, or mirrors) are clean and not obstructed.
- Consult the owner's manual: Your car's manual will have specific information about the ADAS features in your vehicle.
- Visit a professional: A dealership or qualified mechanic can diagnose the problem. They can check for issues like sensor problems, software glitches, or a system malfunction.
- Expect a calibration: If a repair is needed, such as a windshield replacement, the system will likely require professional re-alignment and recalibration.
How do I reset my Honda collision mitigation system?
To reset a Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) problem, first try turning the vehicle off and on again, as this will often clear temporary glitches. If that doesn't work, you may need to manually turn the system off and then restart it, or for a more complete reset, disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes before reconnecting it.
Method 1: Restart the vehicle
- This is the simplest first step to try.
- Turn your vehicle completely off.
- Wait for at least a minute.
- Restart the engine and check if the warning light or error message has disappeared.
This video demonstrates how to reset the collision mitigation system by restarting the car: 57sDashboard warning lights YouTube · Sep 4, 2025
Method 2: Manually turn the system off and on
- CMBS will automatically reset to the "on" position every time you start the engine.
- Turning it off and then back on can resolve certain errors.
- To turn it off, press and hold the CMBS OFF button until a beep sounds and the indicator appears.
- Restart the vehicle to see if the system has been reset.
Method 3: Disconnect the battery
- This is a more thorough reset and should be performed with caution.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Reconnect the negative cable.
- Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes before driving.
This video shows how to disconnect the car battery for a system reset: 58sCarnivautoYouTube · Sep 1, 2025
Important considerations
- If the problem persists after trying these resets, there may be an underlying issue with a sensor or a component that requires professional diagnosis and repair by a dealership.
- The system can also automatically shut off due to poor weather conditions (like heavy rain or snow) or if the sensors are obstructed. Check for any blockages on the grille and clean the sensors before performing a reset.
- For a permanent solution to a specific problem, such as a faulty sensor, professional service is recommended.
How do I reset my Honda Lane Assist?
For instance, if you're having trouble with the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), you can turn that off by pressing and holding the MAIN button on the steering wheel. Press the MAIN button again to turn LKAS back on.
Why is my Honda driver assist not working?
Inspect the related fuses and wiring harnesses for corrosion or loose connections. A malfunctioning ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) control module can also cause these features to stop working. Resetting the system via the OBD-II port or updating software may restore functionality.
