What is ACC mode on Honda?
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in Honda vehicles automatically maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting throttle and brakes as needed. In many Honda models, ACC can also bring the car to a complete stop in stop-and-go traffic and resume when conditions allow.
ACC is part of Honda Sensing, the company’s driver-assistance suite. It relies on sensors such as a forward radar and a camera to monitor traffic ahead. While ACC can reduce driver workload, it does not replace attentive driving; the driver should keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
How ACC works in Honda
Honda's ACC is designed to provide smoother speed control and gap management, working in tandem with other Honda Sensing features like Lane Keeping Assist and Collision Mitigation Braking System. The system interprets traffic conditions and makes automatic adjustments to your speed to maintain the chosen following distance.
Sensors and data
Most Honda models with ACC use a front radar sensor (typically integrated into the grille) and a forward-facing camera to detect vehicles ahead, measure distance, and determine appropriate throttle or braking input.
Capabilities and limits
Typical ACC capabilities include maintaining a set speed, adjusting speed to keep a safe distance, and, in many trims, stopping and resuming in light to moderate stop-and-go traffic. ACC does not operate in all driving situations (e.g., complex urban environments, sudden hazards); the driver remains responsible for controlling the vehicle.
How to use ACC
The following steps describe a common workflow to enable and operate ACC on many Honda models. Exact button labels may vary by trim and year, but the general process is similar.
Engaging ACC
- Press the MAIN or CRUISE button on the steering wheel to turn on Cruise Control and activate Honda Sensing, if required by your model.
- Accelerate to the desired speed, then press the SET/– or RES/+ button to lock in that speed.
- Use the Distance/Following Distance control to select how closely you want to follow the vehicle ahead (the system will then maintain that gap automatically).
- When a vehicle ahead is detected, ACC reduces throttle (and may apply brakes) to maintain the selected distance; in some models, it can stop and resume as traffic moves.
- To cancel ACC, press CANCEL or tap the brake lightly; you can also switch off the overall system from the steering wheel controls.
Engaging ACC and setting a following distance gives you automated speed control and gap management, reducing the need for constant throttle adjustments in highway driving or lightly congested conditions.
Choosing the following distance
Distance settings let you decide how closely you follow the vehicle in front. Options are typically labeled from Very Short to Long (often as Distance 1 through Distance 4 or 1–3, depending on the model and trim).
- Very Short
- Short
- Medium
- Long
Note that some models offer adaptive behavior that adjusts distance based on speed or driving mode. Always pick a setting that suits road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Safety considerations and limitations
ACC can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue on long trips, but it has important limitations and safety considerations.
- The driver must remain attentive and ready to take control at any time.
- ACC may not detect stationary or slowly moving vehicles in certain conditions or weather (heavy rain, snow, or poor visibility).
- Stop-and-go capability varies by model; some systems resume automatically, while others require a manual input after a stop.
- ACC does not replace safe driving practices or defensive maneuvering in complex environments or near pedestrians and cyclists.
Always use ACC as a supplemental aid rather than a substitute for vigilant driving, especially in urban areas or unpredictable traffic situations.
Availability across Honda models and variations
ACC is widely offered as part of Honda Sensing on many contemporary Honda models, including the Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, and Passport. Availability and exact capabilities (such as Stop & Go or automatic resume) can vary by model year and trim level. Some base trims may offer ACC as part of an upgrade package or require a higher-tier package.
Summary
ACC mode on Honda is an adaptive speed-control feature that helps maintain a chosen speed and a safe distance from the car ahead, with some trims capable of stopping and resuming in stop-and-go traffic. It relies on radar and camera sensors and is part of the broader Honda Sensing suite. While it can reduce workload, drivers must remain attentive and ready to take over in any driving condition.
What is ACC mode on a Honda?
Accessory mode on a Honda is a power state that lets you use certain electrical accessories, like the radio or wipers, without starting the engine, using the battery instead. You can enter this mode by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once without your foot on the brake pedal. A second press without the brake engages the "On" mode, and pressing the brake pedal while pushing the button starts the engine.
This video demonstrates how to enter accessory mode on a Honda Ridgeline: 59sMUDBRATS // SNOWBRATSYouTube · Nov 14, 2018
How to use accessory mode
- To turn on: With the vehicle in Park, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without your foot on the brake pedal.
- To turn off: Press the ENGINE START/STOP button again with your foot on the brake, or cycle through the modes (OFF -> ACC -> ON -> OFF) by pressing the button without the brake until the vehicle powers down completely.
- From the "On" mode: If you want to go from "On" mode to "Accessory" mode without shutting everything off, you may need to turn the vehicle completely off first, then press the button once without the brake pedal.
- To start the engine: Press and hold your foot on the brake pedal, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
Key things to remember
- Battery drain: Accessory mode runs off the car's 12-volt battery, so avoid using it for long periods (over two hours is often a guideline) to prevent draining the battery.
- Power limits: The accessory power socket in some models has a limit of 180180180 watts (151515 amps), so be mindful of what you plug in.
- Transmission: The vehicle must be in Park (P) to turn it off completely. If the transmission is not in Park, it may default to Accessory mode.
Is ACC safer than regular cruise control?
A: ACC can improve spacing behind other vehicles and prevent some rear-end events, but real-world studies show mixed results. ACC can encourage speeding and complacency, and several studies found little or no overall crash reduction from partial automation systems when measured in police crash data.
What does the ACC setting do?
Conventional Cruise Control can maintain a steady speed that you set. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an enhancement of conventional cruise control. ACC automatically adjusts the speed of your car to match the speed of the car in front of you. If the car ahead slows down, ACC can automatically match it.
What does ACC mean in Honda?
ACC on a Honda stands for Adaptive Cruise Control, which is a driver-assist technology that automatically maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. It can automatically slow down or even stop the car, depending on the model, and resume up to the set speed once traffic clears.
How it works
- Maintains speed and distance: You set a desired speed, and ACC automatically adjusts the throttle to maintain that speed. It also uses sensors to detect the vehicle ahead and can apply the brakes to keep a set following distance.
- Low-Speed Follow (LSF): Many Honda models include an LSF feature that allows the system to bring the car to a complete stop in traffic. Once the vehicle ahead starts moving, you can resume driving by tapping the accelerator or pressing a button on the steering wheel.
- Driver-assist: ACC is designed to relieve the driver of the constant need to adjust cruise control, making highway and stop-and-go driving less burdensome.
- Driver responsibility: It is important to note that ACC is a driver-assist feature, not a replacement for a human driver. The driver is still responsible for steering, braking, and avoiding collisions, especially in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads.
