Where is the Adaptive Cruise Control sensor located?

Adaptive Cruise Control sensors are typically placed at the front of the vehicle—usually a radar module integrated into the front bumper or grille, and often paired with a forward-facing camera located behind the windshield near the rearview mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses sensors to monitor traffic ahead and adjust your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance. The exact location of these sensors varies by make, model and sensor type, and some vehicles use more than one sensor to improve performance in different driving conditions. The following sections outline the most common placements you’ll encounter on modern cars.

Where ACC sensors are typically located

Common configurations fall into radar-based, camera-based, or hybrid multi-sensor setups. The locations described below reflect typical practice across many brands.

Radar-based sensors

Radar sensors for ACC are usually housed in the front of the vehicle, behind the bumper or within the grille area. They are designed to scan the road ahead and detect distance to vehicles in front, often through a small, sealed opening or dedicated sensor module.

• Front bumper center, behind a protective fascia or grille opening


• Integrated into a dedicated radar housing within the lower fascia or grille


• Occasionally positioned to the left or right of the grille to align with vehicle geometry

Radar-based placement is chosen to maximize line-of-sight for object detection while protecting the sensor from debris and impact.

Camera-based sensors

Camera-based ACC uses a forward-facing camera to read traffic, lane markings, and other cues. The camera is typically mounted high behind the windshield to prevent obstruction from road spray or debris and to provide a wide field of view.

• Behind the upper edge of the windshield, near the rearview mirror


• Sometimes integrated into the headliner or a dedicated camera housing connected to the windshield glass


• In some vehicles, the camera is paired with a windscreen-mounted housing that also contains sensors for rain/lighting conditions

Camera placement aims to capture a clear, wide view of the road ahead and is sensitive to dirt, glare, and obstructions, which can affect ACC performance.

Hybrid / multi-sensor systems

Many modern vehicles combine radar and camera sensing to improve reliability under various weather and lighting conditions. In these systems, radars and cameras may be in separate housings or in an integrated front-end module.

• Radar module in the bumper/grille area working alongside a windshield-mounted forward camera


• Dual-modality modules that house both radio and optical sensors in a single unit


• Strategic placement to minimize interference and maximize field of view for both sensing modalities

Hybrid configurations leverage the strengths of each sensor type and provide redundancy for safer ACC operation.

What to check or know about sensor location

If you’re investigating ACC behavior, a few practical notes help: ensure nothing blocks the sensors (grille debris, bumper covers, or windshield obstructions), keep the front of the car clean, and be aware that some aftermarket modifications can affect sensor alignment. For exact location and service guidelines, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or service bulletin.

Summary

In most modern vehicles, ACC sensors live at the front of the car—radar units tucked in or behind the bumper/grille and forward-facing cameras mounted high behind the windshield. Some models use a combination of both in a single module or in separate housings. Location varies by manufacturer, model, and system configuration, so refer to the owner's manual for specifics about your car and have any sensor access or alignment inspected by a qualified technician if you notice degraded ACC performance.

Where is the sensor for adaptive cruise control?

The adaptive cruise control (ACC) sensor is typically located behind the front bumper or grille, centrally positioned at the lower front of the vehicle. It may be a black, rectangular box that is often concealed by a plastic panel to protect it from damage, sometimes with a design that mimics the rest of the grille. Some vehicles also have a forward-facing camera behind the windshield near the rearview mirror to assist the system.
 
This video shows the location of the adaptive cruise control radar module: 43sMACTFORDEDGEYouTube · May 3, 2025

• Location: The radar sensor is almost always located in the center of the lower front of the car, behind the grille or bumper. 
• Concealed design: On many cars, the sensor is not visible from the outside because it's hidden behind a panel to prevent damage. This panel may have a design to blend in with the rest of the grille. 
• Camera sensor: Many systems also use a forward-facing camera located behind the windshield, in front of the rearview mirror, which is why keeping the inside of the windshield clean is important. 
• Obstructions: Things like dirt, snow, ice, or even bumper stickers can block the sensor, causing the system to malfunction. 

This video demonstrates how to troubleshoot the adaptive cruise control system, including cleaning the sensor: 53sCarnivautoYouTube · Aug 29, 2025

How to fix an adaptive cruise control system problem?

To fix an adaptive cruise control (ACC) problem, first perform simple checks like cleaning the sensors and radar, and then try a system reset by turning the car off and on. If the issue persists, check your brake pedal switch and battery, as both can cause malfunctions. For persistent problems, it's best to scan for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and consult your owner's manual for specific reset and recalibration steps. 
This video explains how to clean the sensor and reset the system: 1mDashboard warning lights YouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Basic troubleshooting
This video demonstrates how to turn off the adaptive cruise control: 55sMechanical MalarkeyYouTube · Sep 4, 2023

• Clean the sensors: The camera is often behind the windshield near the rearview mirror, and the radar sensor is typically in the front grille or bumper. Ensure these areas are free of dirt, ice, snow, and even bumper stickers. 
• Check for obstructions: Extreme weather, heavy rain, or even direct sunlight can affect performance. Make sure no aftermarket accessories are blocking the sensors. 
• Perform a system reset: Turn the car off completely, lock the doors, and wait for a few minutes before restarting the engine. This can clear temporary glitches. 
• Check the brake lights: Ensure your brake lights come on when the brake pedal is pressed. A faulty brake pedal switch can disable the ACC system. 

Advanced troubleshooting

• Reset to default settings: Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions, but you can often reset the system by pressing and holding the "reset" button for several seconds. 
• Check the battery: A weak 12V battery can cause various system errors, so a bad battery is a possible cause. 
• Scan for error codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which can provide clues to the exact problem, such as a bad yaw-rate sensor or other component issues. 

When to seek professional help

• Sensor calibration: After certain repairs or if the system consistently malfunctions, a professional recalibration of the radar sensor or camera may be necessary. 
• Component failure: If basic troubleshooting fails, a sensor or other component might be faulty and require replacement. 
• Persistent errors: If the system continues to malfunction after trying these steps, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the issue. 

What is the most common failure of a cruise control system?

The most common failures in a cruise control system are often due to a faulty brake light switch or a blown fuse, according to several sources. Other frequent issues include problems with the speed sensor, a loose or broken cruise control cable, and general electrical or vacuum leaks. 
Common failure points

• Faulty brake light switch: This is a very common cause of failure. A defective switch can signal to the system that the brake is being applied, causing the cruise control to disengage. 
• Blown fuse: Cruise control systems are protected by fuses, and if a fuse blows, the system will stop working. This is a simple and inexpensive fix, so it's a good first thing to check. 
• Damaged speed sensor: The speed sensor is critical for providing the system with accurate vehicle speed information. If it's damaged, the cruise control won't function correctly. 
• Broken or loose cruise control cable: The cable that connects the system to the throttle can become damaged or loose, preventing the system from working properly. 
• Electrical issues: Since cruise control is an electrical system, other problems like faulty wiring, a bad cruise control switch on the steering wheel, or a malfunctioning vacuum-actuated switch can cause it to fail. 

Other potential causes

• Traction control system: If the car's anti-lock braking (ABS) or traction control systems are not functioning properly, they will often disable cruise control as a safety measure. 
• Dashboard warning lights: A "check engine" light or other dashboard warnings can also disable the system. 
• Adaptive cruise control sensors: For modern adaptive systems, external factors like bad weather, a dirty windshield, or a blocked radar sensor can cause the system to deactivate. 

What sensors does adaptive cruise control use?

ACC uses information from two sensors: a distance sensor that monitors the gap to the car ahead and a speed sensor that automatically accelerates and decelerates your car. ACC uses information from these sensors to adjust your speed and maintain the set distance from the car in front of you.