Honda Accord Firing Order: What You Need to Know by Engine Type

For most Honda Accords, the firing order depends on the engine: virtually all 4‑cylinder Accords fire 1‑3‑4‑2, while V6 models (Honda J‑series and earlier C‑series) fire 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6. Below, we explain how this applies across model years, how cylinders are numbered on each layout, and how to double‑check your specific vehicle.

At a Glance: Common Honda Accord Firing Orders

The following list summarizes the firing orders used on the Accord’s mainstream engines across generations. Use it to quickly match your engine layout to the correct sequence.

• Accord 4‑cylinder engines (F‑/H‑/K‑/L‑/R‑series, including 1.5T, 2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 hybrid assist/Atkinson): 1‑3‑4‑2
• Accord V6 engines (J‑series 3.0/3.5 and earlier C‑series 2.7): 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6

In practical terms, if your Accord has an inline‑four, it uses 1‑3‑4‑2; if it’s a V6, it uses 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6. This convention covers U.S.‑market models from the 1990s through current production.

How Cylinder Numbering Works on the Accord

Inline‑Four (transverse)

On the Accord’s transverse 4‑cylinder engines, cylinder “1” is located at the timing belt/chain end of the engine. In North American left‑hand‑drive models, that’s typically the passenger‑side end of the engine bay. Cylinders then count sequentially across the engine: 1‑2‑3‑4.

V6 (transverse J‑series and C‑series)

On Honda’s transverse V6, Bank 1 is the bank toward the firewall; Bank 2 is toward the radiator. Cylinder “1” sits on Bank 1 at the timing belt/chain end. The usual numbering is:

Use the following list to visualize V6 cylinder locations relative to the car.

• Rear bank (Bank 1, toward firewall): 1‑2‑3 (timing end to transmission end)
• Front bank (Bank 2, toward radiator): 4‑5‑6 (timing end to transmission end)

Knowing the bank and numbering helps when diagnosing misfires (e.g., P0301 = cylinder 1, rear bank, timing end).

Model Coverage and Notes

This list outlines how the firing orders apply to popular Accord powertrains by era.

• 1990s–early 2000s I4 (F22/F23, H22 in some markets): 1‑3‑4‑2
• 2003–2012 I4 (K24): 1‑3‑4‑2
• 2013–2025 I4 (K24W, 1.5T L15, 2.0T K20C variants, 2.0L hybrid systems): 1‑3‑4‑2
• 1995–2002 V6 (C27A/C30A/C32 variants in select markets; U.S. Accord used 2.7L C27A in the mid‑1990s): 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6
• 1998–2017 V6 (J30/J32/J35 Accords): 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6

While minor hardware changes occurred (distributor to coil‑on‑plug, variable cylinder management on some J‑series), the firing orders above remained consistent for these families.

Why Firing Order Matters

The firing order determines the sequence in which cylinders ignite, affecting smoothness, balance, emissions, and power delivery. Using the correct order is essential when routing plug wires on older distributor models, verifying coil connections on coil‑on‑plug engines, or diagnosing misfires and timing‑related drivability issues.

How to Confirm Your Specific Engine’s Firing Order

If you want to verify the firing order for your exact VIN or regional model, follow these steps.

1. Check the under‑hood emissions/engine label: Many list engine family codes (e.g., K24, L15, J35), which you can match to the orders above.
2. Consult the owner’s manual or factory service manual: The ignition section typically states firing order and cylinder numbering.
3. Look up the engine code by VIN: Dealer parts systems or reputable service databases can identify the engine and confirm the spec.

These sources remove any doubt, especially for swapped engines or market‑specific variants.

Troubleshooting Tips

When addressing misfires or ignition wiring concerns, keep these points in mind.

• For older distributor I4 models, match plug wire positions to the cap’s labeled posts following 1‑3‑4‑2 in the distributor’s rotation direction.
• For coil‑on‑plug engines, ensure each coil/connector is on the correct cylinder and that harness grounds are secure.
• If codes point to a bank (e.g., Bank 1), use the numbering guide above to locate the correct side and cylinder.

A systematic approach—correct order, correct cylinder identification, then component testing—prevents repeated faults.

Summary

Nearly all Honda Accord 4‑cylinder engines use a 1‑3‑4‑2 firing order, while V6 Accords use 1‑4‑2‑5‑3‑6. Cylinder 1 is at the timing belt/chain end; on V6 models, Bank 1 is the rear (firewall) bank. Match your engine type to these patterns, and confirm via your under‑hood label or service manual if in doubt.

What is the firing order of a Honda Accord?

3.0L Engine Firing order: 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Which cylinder is number 1 Honda?

On an inline engine: the number one cylinder is located at the front of the engine, closest to the timing cover. On a V type engine: one cylinder head is slightly forward of the other, toward the front of the engine. Cylinder number one is the forward most cylinder in that bank.

What is the firing order of a 1.8 L Honda?

1: 1984 Accord 1.8L-nl-> Firing order: 1-3-4-2-nl-> Distributor rotation: clockwise. Fig. 2: 1.8L and 2.0L SOHC engines (except 1984 Accord)-nl-> Firing order: 1-3-4-2-nl-> Distributor rotation: clockwise.

What firing order is 1/3, 7/2, 6, 5, 4, 8?

Ford (5.0L HO, 351W, 351M, 351C, 400): Counter-clockwise 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Most Ford modular (4.6/5.4L): 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Ford 5.0L Coyote: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.