What is the firing order on a Honda Odyssey 6-cylinder?

The firing order on every Honda Odyssey V6 (all model years and J35 engine variants) is 1-4-2-5-3-6. On the transversely mounted J-series engine, cylinders 1–2–3 are along the rear bank (firewall side) and 4–5–6 are along the front bank (radiator side), numbered from the passenger side to the driver side.

Which Odyssey models this applies to

The Honda Odyssey has exclusively used Honda’s J-series 3.5L V6 engines. The firing order has remained consistent across generations and variants. Below is a quick reference to the Odyssey years and engines covered by this firing order.

• 1999–2004: J35A-series (e.g., J35A4)
• 2005–2010: Updated J35A variants (e.g., J35A6/A7)
• 2011–2017: J35Z-series
• 2018–present: J35Y-series (including i-VTEC and VCM-equipped trims)

Regardless of cylinder deactivation (VCM), ignition system updates, or ECU strategy, the mechanical firing order remains 1-4-2-5-3-6 across these engines.

Cylinder numbering and bank locations

Correctly identifying cylinder positions is essential for diagnostics, plug changes, coil swaps, and misfire troubleshooting. On the Odyssey’s transverse V6, “rear” refers to the bank closest to the firewall; “front” is closest to the radiator. The timing belt/chain end of the engine sits on the passenger side.

• Bank 1 (rear/firewall side): Cylinders 1–2–3, running from passenger side (No. 1) to driver side (No. 3)
• Bank 2 (front/radiator side): Cylinders 4–5–6, running from passenger side (No. 4) to driver side (No. 6)
• Cylinder 1 location: Rear bank, passenger side; Cylinder 4 is directly in front of it on the front bank
• Firing order: 1-4-2-5-3-6 (applies to all J35 variants)

When reading diagrams, always orient yourself from the vehicle’s perspective: passenger side on your right when standing at the front bumper, driver side on your left.

Why the firing order matters

The firing order is crucial for smooth operation, engine balance, and accurate diagnostics. It dictates the sequence in which cylinders ignite, affecting vibration, power delivery, and exhaust pulse timing. When tracking down misfires, knowing the order helps you interpret scan tool data (e.g., P0301–P0306) and perform effective coil/plug/injector swaps to confirm faults.

Quick steps to verify and use the firing order during diagnostics

When troubleshooting misfires or confirming cylinder identification, these steps help you apply the firing order correctly without guesswork.

1. Locate Cylinder 1 at the rear bank on the passenger side (firewall side, near the timing belt end).
2. Identify the remaining rear-bank cylinders as 2 (middle) and 3 (driver side); front bank is 4–5–6 in the same left-to-right order.
3. Use the firing order (1-4-2-5-3-6) to understand combustion sequence and correlate scan tool misfire counters.
4. For a suspected coil or plug issue, swap components between the misfiring cylinder and another; see if the misfire code follows.
5. Confirm bank numbering if working with upstream oxygen sensors or VCM diagnostics: Bank 1 = rear/firewall side; Bank 2 = front/radiator side.

Applying this process reduces diagnostic time and avoids common mistakes like mixing up bank positions or misreading cylinder numbers.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Two errors commonly lead to confusion: reversing the banks when viewing the engine from the front, and assuming a different firing order because of coil-on-plug systems. Even without plug wires, the engine’s mechanical firing order is fixed at 1-4-2-5-3-6, and Bank 1 remains the rear bank containing Cylinder 1.

Summary

Honda Odyssey V6 engines (all years, all J35 variants) use a 1-4-2-5-3-6 firing order. Cylinder numbering is 1–2–3 on the rear/firewall bank and 4–5–6 on the front/radiator bank, counted from passenger to driver side. Knowing this layout streamlines spark, coil, injector, and misfire diagnostics across every Odyssey generation.

How are V6 cylinders numbered?

V6 engines have two banks of three cylinders each, but the numbering convention varies between manufacturers. Generally, #1 is the front cylinder on one bank, and the numbering then proceeds either sequentially on that bank, or alternates between banks. It’s best to consult your specific engine’s manual for the precise cylinder numbering. 
This video explains the cylinder numbering and firing order for a 3.5L Ford V6 engine: 36sYoshimoshiYouTube · Apr 14, 2021
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Bank Identification: V6 engines have two cylinder banks, often referred to as “bank one” and “bank two.” The bank numbering is usually consistent, but the internal cylinder numbering within each bank can differ. 
• Cylinder #1: Usually, cylinder #1 is the forward-most cylinder on one of the banks, but the specific bank varies. 
• Numbering Variations: Some manufacturers number the cylinders sequentially within each bank (e.g., 1, 2, 3 on one bank, and 4, 5, 6 on the other). Others might number them in an alternating pattern (e.g., 1, 3, 5 on one bank and 2, 4, 6 on the other). 
• Firing Order: The firing order, which is the sequence in which the cylinders fire, is also important. It is often related to the cylinder numbering but is not necessarily the same. For example, a firing order of 1-2-3-4-5-6 does not necessarily mean the cylinders are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 
• Importance of Knowing: Understanding the cylinder numbering is crucial for tasks like diagnosing misfires, replacing spark plugs or ignition coils, and other maintenance procedures. 
• Consult Your Manual: For specific information on your engine’s cylinder numbering, always refer to your vehicle’s repair manual or a reliable online resource for your vehicle’s make and model. 

How to identify cylinder number 1?

To identify cylinder number one in an engine, especially on an inline engine, it’s usually the one closest to the front of the engine, often near the timing chain/belt or accessory drive belts. For V-type engines, it’s generally the one closest to the crankshaft on the front-most bank. If you’re still unsure, consult your vehicle’s manual for specific details. 
This video explains how to identify cylinders on a GM 5.3L engine: 58sBarbour’s Auto HelpYouTube · Dec 11, 2023
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Inline Engines:

• Front-most Cylinder: In inline engines (where cylinders are arranged in a single row), cylinder number one is typically located at the front of the engine.
• Timing Components: This is often where you’ll find the timing chain or belt cover, as well as the accessory drive belts and pulleys. 

V-Type Engines:

• Crankshaft Side: For V-type engines (where cylinders are arranged in two banks), cylinder number one is usually the one closest to the crankshaft on the front-most bank. 
• Bank Designation: The bank containing cylinder number one is often designated as “Bank 1” for diagnostic purposes. 

Other Indicators:

• Firing Order: Cylinder number one is the first cylinder in the engine’s firing order. 
• Vehicle Manual: The most reliable way to determine cylinder number one is to consult your vehicle’s manual, which will have specific details for your engine’s make and model. 

What causes a misfire on a Honda Odyssey?

A misfire in a Honda Odyssey can be caused by a variety of issues, but faulty spark plugs or ignition coils are the most common culprits. Other potential causes include issues with fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, and even problems with the transmission. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Ignition System Issues:

• Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs are a frequent cause of misfires. 
• Ignition Coils: A faulty ignition coil can prevent proper spark delivery to the cylinder. 
• Spark Plug Wires/Connectors: Damage or corrosion in the spark plug wires or connectors can disrupt the electrical signal. 
• Distributor (if applicable): On older models, a failing distributor can also cause misfires. 

Fuel Delivery Problems:

• Fuel Injectors: Clogged or malfunctioning fuel injectors may not deliver the correct amount of fuel to the cylinders. 
• Fuel Pump: A failing fuel pump may not provide sufficient fuel pressure to the injectors. 
• Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow. 

Engine Mechanical Issues:

• Broken Valve Springs: Valve springs that are broken or weak can prevent proper valve closure. 
• Damaged or Worn Valve Seals: Leaking valve seals can cause oil to enter the combustion chamber, fouling spark plugs and causing misfires. 
• Piston Rings: Damaged piston rings can allow combustion gases and oil to leak past, causing misfires. 
• Camshaft Wear: A worn camshaft can affect valve timing and contribute to misfires. 
• Valve Problems: Burnt, bent, or misadjusted valves can also cause misfires. 

Other Factors:

• Vacuum Leaks: . Opens in new tabLeaks in the vacuum system can upset the air-fuel mixture and cause misfires. 
• Mass Airflow Sensor: . Opens in new tabA faulty mass airflow sensor can send incorrect readings to the engine control unit, affecting the air-fuel mixture. 
• Transmission Problems: . Opens in new tabWhile less common, a slipping transmission can disrupt engine operation and cause misfires. 
• Excessive Oil Consumption: . Opens in new tabIn some cases, excessive oil consumption, particularly in Honda engines, can lead to misfires due to fouled spark plugs. 

Troubleshooting:

• A flashing check engine light often indicates a misfire. 
• Using an OBD-II scanner can help identify the cylinder(s) experiencing the misfire. 
• A compression test can help diagnose mechanical problems. 
• Consulting a qualified mechanic is recommended for proper diagnosis and repair. 

What is the firing order of the Honda Odyssey 2010?

The 2010 Honda Odyssey has a V6 engine with the firing order of 1-4-2-5-3-6. When looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle, cylinders 1-3 are on the driver’s side (left), and cylinders 4-6 are on the passenger’s side (right).
 
You can watch this video to learn how to locate the cylinders on a Honda Odyssey: 39sBarbour’s Auto HelpYouTube · Jan 19, 2025
Firing Order 1-4-2-5-3-6. 
Cylinder Location (when looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle) 

• Bank 1 (Driver’s Side): Cylinders 1, 2, 3
• Bank 2 (Passenger’s Side): Cylinders 4, 5, 6

Why this is important
Knowing the correct firing order and cylinder positions is crucial for tasks like: Diagnosing engine misfires, Replacing spark plugs, Replacing ignition coils, and Troubleshooting engine performance issues.