Where is the front sensor on a Honda Odyssey?
The front sensor on most Honda Odyssey models is tucked behind the front bumper in the center (radar for Honda Sensing); the forward camera sits behind the windshield near the rearview mirror; some trims also have front parking sensors in the bumper. Exact placement can vary by year and trim, so check your owner’s manual or with a dealer for specifics.
Understanding the front sensing system
The Odyssey combines several front sensors to power driver-assistance features like collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and parking assist where available. Here is where you typically find the main components.
Radar sensor (Honda Sensing forward radar)
The radar sensor is a forward-looking unit used for collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. It is generally mounted behind the front bumper, near the center, in or just behind the lower grille area. It is not intended to be visible without removing trim.
- Center of the front bumper, behind the lower grille opening
- Protected beneath a bumper cover or trim plate
- Not visible from outside unless you remove body panels
Placement can vary slightly by model year and trim; a dealer or service manual can confirm the exact location for your vehicle.
Forward-facing camera
The forward camera is part of the Honda Sensing suite and is mounted inside the vehicle, behind the windshield near the top center, behind the rearview mirror. It is not visible from outside the vehicle.
- Behind the windshield, near the rearview mirror
- Centered to provide a forward view for safety systems
- Works with the radar to detect lanes, signs, and obstacles
As with the radar sensor, the camera’s exact mounting can vary by year and trim; if visibility is blocked (snow, dirt, or ice), cleaning or professional inspection may be required.
Front parking sensors (if equipped)
Some Odyssey trims include front ultrasonic parking sensors embedded in the bumper to aid parking maneuvers. These sensors are small, round units integrated into the bumper surface and are not always present on every model.
- Embedded in the front bumper surface, often along the width or at the corners
- Typically appear as small circular pads when located
- Work with audible/visual indicators to assist parking
If your vehicle doesn’t show these sensors, your trim likely does not include the front parking sensor feature.
What to do if a sensor is blocked or not functioning
Keep the sensor areas clean and free of ice, snow, dirt, or other obstructions. If a warning light or error message appears, have the system inspected by a Honda technician, since misalignment or damage to the bumper can affect sensor performance.
Maintenance and checks for the front sensing system
Regularly inspect the front bumper area for cracks or damage, ensure the lower grille openings are clear, and verify that the windshield camera area remains clean and unobstructed. Routine maintenance helps ensure Honda Sensing and parking aids function correctly.
Summary
The primary front sensor for safety systems on a Honda Odyssey is usually a radar unit tucked behind the center of the front bumper, with the forward-facing camera mounted behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. Optional front parking sensors, when present, are embedded in the front bumper. For exact locations by year and trim, consult the owner's manual or a Honda dealer.
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
What is the sensor in the front of the Honda?
Honda SENSING uses a front wide view camera with a wide horizontal view, which detects objects in a broader area including the areas diagonally in front of the vehicle. Front and rear sonar sensors detect various objects, including glass to assist the driver in ensuring safety while parking.
Where are the front parking sensors?
1. Front and Rear Park Assist uses ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers to detect objects. 2. The sensors are designed to detect objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle and up to 4 feet in front of the vehicle.
How do you reset the parking sensor on a Honda Odyssey?
To reset the parking sensor system in a Honda Odyssey, turn the ignition on and press the parking sensor button 10 times within 10 seconds, then turn the ignition off. After that, press and hold the parking sensor button while turning the ignition on again. Hold it for about 10 seconds until you hear a two-second beep, which indicates the system has been reset.
This video shows how to reset the parking sensor system: 1mGeorge MelnikYouTube · Feb 16, 2019
Detailed steps
- Turn the ignition to the ON (II) position (don't start the engine).
- Press the parking sensor button exactly 10 times within 10 seconds. The button may start to blink.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Press and hold the parking sensor button.
- While still holding the button, turn the ignition back to the ON (II) position.
- Continue to hold the button for about 10 seconds, until you hear a two-second beep or chime. This signals that the reset is complete.
- Release the button. You can now turn the ignition off and start the vehicle normally.
This video demonstrates the entire process of resetting the parking sensors: 1mAcura n Honda How ToYouTube · Jan 9, 2023
Additional tips
- If you just replaced a sensor, this procedure should clear any error messages.
- In older models, a common issue is a burnt-out bulb in the parking sensor button itself, which can also cause a "check parking sensor" warning. Replacing the bulb can sometimes fix the problem and the error message may disappear without a full reset.
- For newer models, a "Factory Data Reset" option may be available in the "Settings" menu, but the button-and-ignition-cycle method is the correct procedure for resetting the sensor system itself.
You can also watch this video to learn how to fix a parking sensor system error by replacing the bulb: 59sBlu-TSXYouTube · Aug 18, 2018
