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Where is the front radar sensor on a Ford f150?

The front radar sensor on a Ford F150 pickup truck is typically located behind the grille, near the center of the front bumper. This sensor is a key component of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are available on many F150 models.

Understanding the Front Radar Sensor

The front radar sensor on the Ford F150 is a critical part of the vehicle's safety and driver-assistance features. This sensor uses radio waves to detect the presence, speed, and distance of other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects in front of the truck. The information gathered by the radar sensor is then used by the F150's ADAS systems to provide features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Location of the Front Radar Sensor

The front radar sensor on the Ford F150 is typically located behind the grille, near the center of the front bumper. 1 This placement allows the sensor to have a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead, which is necessary for it to accurately detect and track other vehicles and obstacles. 2

The exact location of the front radar sensor may vary slightly between different F150 models or trim levels, but it is generally found in this central position behind the grille. 3 It is important to keep this area clean and free of any obstructions, such as dirt, snow, or debris, to ensure the sensor can function properly.

Importance of the Front Radar Sensor

The front radar sensor is a crucial component of the Ford F150's advanced safety and driver-assistance features. 4 It allows the vehicle to detect potential hazards and take appropriate action, such as automatically applying the brakes or adjusting the speed, to help prevent collisions and keep the driver and passengers safe. 5

Proper maintenance and care of the front radar sensor is essential to ensure it continues to function correctly and provide the intended safety benefits. If the sensor becomes damaged or obstructed, it may not be able to accurately detect and respond to potential hazards, which could compromise the vehicle's overall safety performance.

Where is the pre-collision assist sensor located on a Ford?

The main sensor for Ford's pre-collision assist system is a radar sensor located behind a fascia cover in the center of the lower front grille, though some models may have it in the upper grille or have a combination of radar and camera sensors. A forward-facing camera is also often part of the system, located behind the windshield near the rearview mirror.

This video shows the location of the front-facing camera for the Ford F-150's pre-collision assist system: 56sRams to the RescueYouTube · Apr 18, 2022
Radar sensor

Location: Generally behind the front bumper, often centered in the lower grille behind a plastic fascia cover. Some models may place it in the upper grille.
Function: Emits and receives radar signals to detect potential collisions.
Maintenance: Keep this area clean and free of obstructions like dirt, snow, or ice, as blockages can cause the system to malfunction.

Camera sensor

Location: Typically behind the windshield, near the rearview mirror.
Function: Works with the radar to provide a comprehensive view of the road.
Maintenance: Keep the area of the windshield where the camera is mounted clean and free of smudges or condensation.

Where is the front collision sensor on a Ford f150?

The F-150's front collision sensor is a radar-based system located behind the front bumper, typically in the lower grille area, often on the driver's side and covered by a small panel. There is also a camera for the system located behind the windshield, near the rearview mirror, usually within a small, dark triangle-shaped area.
This video shows the location of the front collision camera on a Ford F-150: 24sRams to the RescueYouTube · Mar 14, 2023
Radar sensor

Location: Behind the front bumper, in the lower part of the grille.
Appearance: It may be located behind a black plastic square or oval section, sometimes near the license plate.

Camera sensor

Location: Behind the windshield, near the rearview mirror.
Appearance: It is often in a small, triangle-shaped area with a black border.

This video shows the location of the front collision radar sensor on a Ford F-150: 59sShop TalkYouTube · Feb 19, 2024
Important considerations

Obstructions: Both sensors can be affected by dirt, snow, ice, or even a heavy wax coat on the bumper.
Cleaning: Cleaning the radar sensor behind the bumper and the camera on the windshield with a soft microfiber cloth can often resolve issues like "Pre-Collision Assist not available" warnings.
Function: The radar sensor detects objects and measures speed, while the camera provides visual information to the system.

Where is the radar sensor on a Ford f150?

The F-150 radar sensor for adaptive cruise control and collision warning is located behind a plastic cover in the front bumper, often in the lower grille on either the driver's or passenger's side. The specific placement can vary by model year and trim, but it is always concealed behind the front fascia to protect it from damage.

This video shows the location of the radar sensor on a Ford F-150: 53sTopicMotorYouTube · Oct 16, 2024

Primary location: Behind the front bumper or grille, usually in the lower section.
Concealed: It is hidden behind an unpainted plastic cover or a filler panel to protect it from impact.
Varies by model: The exact spot may differ based on the specific year and trim of the F-150. It could be on the driver's side, passenger's side, or centered.
Associated camera: The radar sensor works with a forward-facing camera, which is typically mounted behind the windshield near the rearview mirror.

Where is the front radar sensor located?

The front radar sensor is typically located behind the front grille or bumper, often integrated into the emblem, a specific panel, or a lower grille opening. Some vehicles may have additional sensors located on the sides of the front bumper. The exact location varies by make and model, so it is best to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for precise placement.
This video explains the location of the front radar sensor in a Volkswagen Golf: 56sI-CARYouTube · Jan 24, 2025

Behind the grille or bumper: This is the most common placement for a radar sensor, which may be hidden behind a cover or emblem.
In the lower grille: The sensor is sometimes found in an opening or panel in the lower part of the front grille.
On the sides of the bumper: Some vehicles, particularly those with multiple sensors, may have them mounted on the sides of the front bumper.
Behind the emblem: Many manufacturers place the sensor directly behind the front emblem on the grille.

You can watch this video to see how to locate the radar sensor in a 2024 Kia Niro EV: 39sCardinal KiaYouTube · Mar 20, 2024

To find your specific sensor: Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location on your vehicle, as the placement can differ significantly between models.
Keep it clean: Ensure the area around the sensor is clean, as dirt, snow, or ice can block its view and disable its functions.

This video explains the importance of cleaning the radar sensor and how it can be blocked by snow or ice: 1mDmitry SapkoYouTube · May 21, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.