If your Honda’s safety suite is acting up, knowing how to reset Honda Sensing is the first step to getting things back to normal. This guide provides quick and easy steps to recalibrate the system and restore its protective features.
Modern driving is safer thanks to advanced driver-assistance systems. Honda Sensing is a suite of technologies designed to help prevent accidents. It includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Sometimes, these systems can encounter glitches. You might see warning lights on your dash, or the features might not engage properly. This can happen after a windshield replacement, a minor bump, or even due to a simple software hiccup.
Resetting the system often resolves these issues. Let’s walk through the methods, from the simplest reboot to more involved procedures.
How To Reset Honda Sensing
There isn’t a single “reset” button for the entire Honda Sensing suite. Instead, resetting usually involves a few different approaches depending on the problem. The most common and easiest method is to restart your car’s computer.
This process is similar to rebooting your home computer when it freezes. It clears temporary memory and allows the systems to reinitialize from a fresh state. It’s the first thing you should try before moving on to more specific solutions.
Here’s how to perform a basic power cycle reset:
1. Park your Honda on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition (or press the engine stop button if you have a keyless model).
3. Exit the vehicle and close all doors, including the trunk or tailgate.
4. Wait for at least 3 minutes. During this time, the vehicle’s electronic control units will fully power down.
5. Re-enter the car, start the engine, and allow it to idle for a minute or two.
6. Drive the car normally for a short distance to see if the Honda Sensing warning lights have turned off and the features are working.
If the basic reset doesn’t work, the issue might be with a specific function. The next step is to look at individual system settings.
Resetting Specific Honda Sensing Features
You can often adjust or reset individual features through your vehicle’s infotainment display. This is where you can turn systems on or off and sometimes clear error states.
Resetting Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
If your ACC isn’t maintaining distance correctly, try this:
* Go to your vehicle’s ‘Settings’ menu on the touchscreen.
* Navigate to ‘Vehicle Settings’ and then ‘Driver Assist System Setup.’
* Select ‘Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).’
* You can adjust the following distance setting here. Sometimes toggling it between the near, middle, and far options can reset its logic.
* Ensure the system is turned ‘On.’
Resetting Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
For issues with lane departure warnings or steering assist:
* Access the ‘Driver Assist System Setup’ menu as described above.
* Select ‘Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).’
* Make sure the system is enabled. You can also adjust the steering assist sensitivity or warning type here.
* If the camera seems confused, cleaning the windshield around the camera housing (behind the rearview mirror) can make a big difference.
Clearing Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Alerts
The CMBS can give false alarms if the sensor is dirty or blocked.
* The primary sensor is located behind the Honda emblem on the grille. Keep this area clean and free of mud, snow, or ice.
* In the ‘Driver Assist System Setup’ menu, select ‘Forward Collision Warning (FCW).’
* You can adjust the warning timing or temporarily disable alerts here, but it’s better to address the sensor obstruction first.
After making any changes in the settings menu, take the car for a 10-15 minute test drive on a clear road with good lane markings. This gives the systems time to recalibrate and begin working again.
When a System Calibration is Required
Sometimes, a simple reset isn’t enough. If the Honda Sensing system was physically disturbed, it needs a professional calibration. This is a precise procedure that aligns the cameras and radar sensors.
You will likely need calibration in these situations:
* After a windshield replacement (the camera is mounted to the glass).
* After a front-end collision, even a minor one.
* If suspension or steering components were adjusted or replaced.
* When specific warning lights (like a triangle with an exclamation point or the letters “CMBS”) remain on after a reset.
Calibration requires specialized tools and a controlled environment. Dealerships and qualified repair shops use laser targets and alignment racks to ensure the sensors are pointing exactly where they need to be.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check for Common Issues
Before you assume a major problem, run through this quick checklist. Many Honda Sensing problems have simple fixes.
1. Check for Obstructions: Visually inspect the front grille where the radar sensor is. Ensure it’s clean and unobstructed. Look at the windshield behind the rearview mirror; clean the glass in front of the camera module.
2. Review Dashboard Messages: Look at your multi-information display (between the gauges) for any specific messages. It might say “Sensor Obstructed” or “Camera Requires Cleaning.”
3. Verify Settings: Use your steering wheel controls to cycle through the display options and confirm that Honda Sensing features are not manually turned off.
4. Consider Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, fog, or glaring direct sunlight can temporarily limit system functionality. The system will usually alert you with a message like “Conditions Too Severe for ACC.”
5. Inspect Tires: Incorrect tire pressure or significantly different tire wear can affect systems that rely on vehicle speed and trajectory calculations.
If you’ve done all this and problems persist, it’s time to consult a professional.
What to Do If the Reset Doesn’t Work
If you’ve tried the power cycle, checked settings, and cleaned the sensors but warning lights remain, further action is needed. Persistent errors often indicate a deeper issue that requires diagnostic tools.
Your next steps should be:
* Visit a Honda Dealer: They have the factory-grade diagnostic software (HDS) to read detailed error codes from the Honda Sensing modules. This is the fastest way to pinpoint a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or software bug.
* Check for Service Bulletins: Sometimes, Honda releases technical service bulletins for known software glitches affecting Honda Sensing. A dealership can apply a software update to fix the problem.
* Professional Diagnosis: An independent auto repair shop with advanced diagnostic capabilities and calibration equipment may also be able to help, often at a lower cost than the dealer.
Ignoring constant Honda Sensing warnings is not recommended. While you can still drive the car, you are without a important layer of safety assistance. Getting it fixed should be a priority.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Frequent Resets
Good maintenance habits can minimize the need to reset Honda Sensing. Keeping the system’s “eyes” clean and clear is the most important thing you can do.
Follow these tips to keep the system reliable:
* Regular Washes: Frequently wash your car, paying special attention to the front grille and windshield.
* Mindful Repairs: Always use a reputable glass shop that is familiar with Honda Sensing calibration requirements if you need a new windshield.
* Prompt Attention: Address any warning lights immediately. A small problem can sometimes be fixed with a reset before it becomes a larger one.
* Battery Health: A weak car battery can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins, including in advanced systems. Have your battery tested regularly.
By following these practices, you help ensure your Honda Sensing suite operates as intended, providing peace of mind on every journey. The technology is there to assist you, but it relies on clear data from its sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Honda Sensing light on?
A Honda Sensing light on your dashboard usually indicates a system fault, a need for calibration, or a blocked sensor. It means one or more features are disabled. Start by checking for obstructions on the grille and windshield, then try a power cycle reset.
Can I reset Honda Sensing myself?
You can perform a basic reset by power cycling the vehicle’s electronics. You can also adjust settings via the infotainment screen. However, a full sensor calibration after a windshield replacement or collision requires professional tools and cannot be done safely at home.
How much does it cost to calibrate Honda Sensing?
Calibration costs vary but typically range from $300 to $800 or more at a dealership, depending on your model and the required procedure. Windshield replacement companies often bundle calibration with the new glass installation.
Does disconnecting the battery reset Honda Sensing?
Disconnecting the car battery will reset the vehicle’s computers, which can clear some temporary Honda Sensing errors. However, it may also trigger the need for a recalibration. It’s generally better to try the simple power cycle method first before disconnecting the battery.
What does it mean when it says “Honda Sensing problem?”
This message appears when the system detects an internal fault it cannot correct. It advises you to see your dealer. While basic checks (like cleaning sensors) are worth a try, this message often indicates a need for professional diagnosis with specialized scan tools.
Remember, your Honda Sensing is a sophisticated set of tools designed to help keep you safe. When it malfunctions, understanding how to reset Honda Sensing is a valuable skill. Always start with the simple solutions—a clean sensor and a system reboot. For more complex issues, don’t hesitate to rely on trained technicians to restore your vehicle’s full safety capabilities.