How do you turn on the parking sensor on a Honda Civic?
In most Honda Civics, the rear parking sensors activate automatically when you shift into reverse, providing audible beeps and visual cues to help you avoid obstacles at low speeds. Some trims or model years offer a manual toggle to enable or disable the system. This guide explains both the standard automatic operation and how to use a toggle if your car has one. For model-specific instructions, consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealer, as the layout can vary by year and trim.
How the system works in typical Civics
Automatic activation when reversing
Vehicles equipped with rear parking sensors power up the sensor array behind the bumper as soon as Reverse is engaged. The system continuously monitors the area behind the car at low speeds to help prevent collisions with nearby objects.
Feedback you’ll receive
As you back up, beeps increase in frequency as you approach an obstacle, and many Civics display a distance cue on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen to supplement the audible warnings.
To illustrate typical usage, follow these steps:
- Shift the transmission into Reverse to activate the rear sensors.
- Back up slowly and listen for beeps; a continuous tone usually indicates very close proximity.
- Watch the rearview display or parking view, if equipped, for a visual cue of distance.
- Stop when you’ve achieved a safe clearance or when the beeps indicate you’re too close.
In practice, the sensors in most Civics are designed to assist during normal driving and do not require a separate on/off action for routine use.
Manual controls and model-year variations
Is there a dedicated on/off switch?
Some Civics—often on certain trims or model years—include a parking sensors OFF/ON switch. If present, this switch lets you silence or re-enable the system from the cockpit.
Where to look for the toggle (if your car has one)
- Inspect the center console area near the shift lever or the dash area around the steering wheel for a button labeled with a "P" and sonar icon.
- Press the button to toggle the system; look for a corresponding on-screen indicator or dashboard light confirming the status change.
- Test by backing up in a safe area to confirm the sensors are active or muted as desired.
Note: If no switch exists, the sensor system typically cannot be disabled and will operate automatically when in reverse.
On newer or higher-end Civics, the sensor setting may also be accessible via the infotainment system under Settings or Driver Assist. Menu paths vary by year, so refer to the manual for precise steps.
Summary
Honda Civics generally rely on automatic rear parking sensors that activate when reversing. A manual on/off toggle is not guaranteed on every model, but some trims offer a dedicated switch or a settings path in the infotainment system to disable or enable the feature. Always consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific instructions and confirmation of your car’s capabilities.
How to restart parking sensors?
Turn off the engine and locate the parking sensor control unit, which is typically near the front or rear bumper of the vehicle. Press and hold the “reset” button on the control unit for approximately five seconds. Start your vehicle and check if the parking sensors are now working correctly.
How do I turn on Honda Sensing?
To turn on Honda Sensing, first press the MAIN button on the steering wheel to activate the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) standby modes. Then, to enable a specific feature like ACC with Low Speed Follow, you must press the SET/- button once you have reached a desired speed, while pressing the RES/+ button will resume or increase the speed.
This video demonstrates how to activate Honda Sensing features on a new Honda CRV: 53sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Step 1: Activate standby mode
- Press the MAIN button on the steering wheel. This will turn on the system in standby mode and the corresponding indicators will appear on your dashboard.
- The system is now ready, but specific features like ACC and LKAS will not be active until you set them.
Step 2: Engage individual features
- For Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Drive at your desired speed and press the SET/- button to set the speed and begin ACC operation.
- For Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Once the system is in standby mode and you are driving over approximately 45 mph, LKAS will activate automatically to help keep the vehicle centered in the lane.
To turn off a feature
- Press the CANCEL button or the MAIN button to deactivate the system. Pressing the CANCEL button specifically cancels the ACC with Low Speed Follow.
How do you activate parking sensors?
Check your backup display. If you have one and listen for the warning. Sounds the warning alerts get more urgent as you get closer to an object. This can be a louder beep or a faster beep.
How to turn on Honda Civic parking sensors?
With the power mode in ON, press the parking sensor system button to turn on or off the system. The indicator in the button comes on when the system is on. The front corner, rear center and rear corner sensors start to detect an obstacle when the transmission is in (R, and the vehicle speed is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
