Where is the ACC sensor on a Ford Ranger?

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) sensor on Ford Rangers is typically located in the front end: a radar module mounted behind the center of the front bumper or lower grille, with a forward-facing camera placed high on the windshield near the rearview mirror. Exact placement can vary by model year, trim level, and market.

In practice, ACC relies on two components working together. The radar sensor provides distance measurements to vehicles ahead, while the camera handles lane and traffic information. Because of this dual-sensor setup, you may not visually see both components from the outside in every trim, but their general locations remain centered on the vehicle’s forward fascia and the windshield area.

Locations and what to look for

The following outlines common placement scenarios for Ranger models with ACC (often part of Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite). Use this as a guide to identify the sensors on your specific vehicle.

• The radar sensor is usually mounted in the front bumper area, centered behind the lower grille or within a dedicated housing. It may be accessed by removing a small plastic cover in the grille or bumper.


• The forward-looking camera is generally installed behind the windshield, near the top center just behind the rearview mirror, facing outward to monitor lane markings and traffic.


• Some markets or trims may hide the radar behind the bumper’s protective shield, with the camera continuing to function from the windshield location.

In practice, both sensors are designed to be unobtrusive and integrated into the front end for aerodynamics and protection. If you need to verify exact locations for your year/model, consult your owner’s manual or check with a Ford dealer for a precise diagram.

Maintenance and troubleshooting tips

Because ACC relies on both radar and camera data, cleanliness and alignment are important. The following tips help ensure proper operation and avoid misreads.

• Keep the front bumper and lower grille area clean of snow, ice, mud, and debris that can block the radar sensor.


• Avoid applying wax, polish, or protective coatings directly on the windshield near the camera, and keep the windshield free of obstructions in the camera’s field of view.


• After a front-end collision or alignment work, have the ACC radar and camera recalibrated by a dealership or qualified service center to restore full functionality.


• If you see an ACC warning or automatic braking/acceleration issues, schedule a diagnostic with a Ford service center to check sensor alignment and software calibration.

These steps help maintain reliable ACC performance and reduce the likelihood of false readings or system faults.

Summary

On Ford Rangers equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, the sensor array typically places the radar unit in the center front bumper or lower grille and a forward-facing camera behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. While exact placement can vary by year and trim, these two components form the core of the ACC system, working together to maintain distance and assist in speed control. Regular cleaning, careful maintenance after impacts, and professional calibration when needed help ensure the system stays accurate and reliable.

Where is the collision warning sensor located?

Crash sensors are most commonly located on the upper radiator support (often on both the left and right sides, near the headlights), under the front fenders (in the corners), or on the frame rail or crash bar. The exact location can vary by vehicle make and model, but searching in these general areas will help you find them. Newer vehicles often have two sensors located on the sides, while some older ones may have a single sensor in the middle.
 
You can watch this video to see an example of crash sensor locations on different cars: 54sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Feb 4, 2021
Common locations

• Upper radiator support: Sensors are frequently mounted here, either on the left or right side, or in the middle, sometimes hidden behind the radiator. 
• Under the front fenders: Look in the corners of the vehicle's front, near where the fender meets the bumper. 
• Frame rail or crash bar: These sensors may be found on the inside or outside of the frame rail, or attached to a central crash bar. 

What to look for

• Number of sensors: Newer vehicles often have two front sensors, one on each side. Some older models might have just one, located in the center. 
• Mounting: They are typically secured with bolts or nuts and are often connected by wires with yellow connectors. 
• Access: You may need to remove the front bumper or other trim to get a clear view of the sensors. 

This video explains the function of a crash sensor: 50sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 15, 2015

Where is the ACC sensor located?

Volts also check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to adaptive cruise control radar or the camera. System step four clean the windshield. Camera if equipped if your car uses a front-facing.

What causes the adaptive cruise control to stop working?

If your adaptive cruise control (ACC) is not working, first check for obstructions like dirt, snow, or ice on the radar sensor or windshield camera, as this is a very common cause. You can also try a simple reset by turning the system off and on, or disconnecting the car's negative battery terminal for about 15 minutes. If the issue persists, it could be a blown fuse, a faulty sensor or module, a wiring problem, or a need for a software update, which will likely require professional diagnosis from a dealership or mechanic.
 
Initial checks and resets
This video demonstrates how to reset the adaptive cruise control system: 55sNexologyYouTube · Aug 23, 2025

• Clean the sensors: Check the radar sensor on the front of the vehicle and the camera on the windshield for any dirt, dust, snow, ice, or other debris and clean them carefully. 
• Check for obstructions: Ensure the windshield is clear, as heavy rain, direct sunlight, or even moisture on the inside of the glass can interfere with the camera. 
• Restart the vehicle: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. Turn the car off completely, and then restart it. 
• Reset the battery: As a more advanced reset, disconnect the negative battery terminal for 15 minutes to clear temporary errors, then reconnect it. Be aware this may reset other settings like your clock and radio presets. 
• Check vehicle settings: Go into your car's infotainment or settings menu and make sure the ACC is enabled and hasn't been accidentally turned off. 

Potential underlying issues

• Dashboard warnings: Check for any warning lights on your dashboard. Many system faults, like a bad sensor or wiring issue, will disable the ACC and show a warning message. 
• Blown fuse: A blown fuse can prevent the system from working. Consult your owner's manual to locate the fuse box and check the relevant fuse. 
• Software issues: The system may need a software update or a recalibration. A dealership can check for and install any necessary updates. 
• Sensor or component failure: Other components like the speed sensor, brake pedal switch, radar, yaw-rate sensor, or even the 12V battery could be faulty. 
• Wiring issues: There may be a loose or damaged wire in the system that is causing the malfunction. 

When to seek professional help

• If the initial checks and resets don't work, it's best to have a professional mechanic or dealership inspect the vehicle. 
• They have specialized tools like OBD2 scanners that can read fault codes, diagnose issues, and recalibrate sensors as needed. 
• If repairs or replacements are necessary for the radar, camera, or other modules, a professional will be able to handle them correctly. 

Where is the Ford pre-collision assist sensor location?

The Ford pre-collision assist system uses two main sensors: a radar sensor located behind a cover in the lower grille (or center of the grille for some models) and a camera mounted at the top of the windshield near the rearview mirror.
 
This video shows the location of the pre-collision camera on a Ford F-150: 56sRams to the RescueYouTube · Apr 18, 2022

• Radar Sensor: Typically found behind a plastic fascia cover in the front grille, often in the lower section or center. If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the sensor is located in the center of the lower grille. 
• Camera: Positioned at the top of the interior windshield, near the rearview mirror. This camera is also used for other features like Lane-Keeping. 

This video explains how to fix common issues with the pre-collision assist sensor: 56sCarnivautoYouTube · Aug 29, 2025
Both sensors can cause the system to malfunction if they become blocked, dirty, or damaged. If you see a warning message, try cleaning both the camera lens on the windshield and the front of the grille.