2012 Honda Odyssey Cylinder Order: Numbering and Firing Sequence Explained

The 2012 Honda Odyssey’s 3.5L J‑series V6 uses firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6. Cylinder numbering runs rear bank (firewall side) 1-2-3 from passenger to driver, and front bank (radiator side) 4-5-6 from passenger to driver. This layout applies across the Odyssey’s J35 V6 variants used for the 2012 model year.

What “order of cylinders” means on the Odyssey

On Honda’s transverse-mounted J35 V6, “order of cylinders” can refer to two things: the physical cylinder numbering (which you need for locating misfires, coils, and plugs) and the firing order (the sequence in which the cylinders ignite). Both are standardized for the J-series used in the 2012 Odyssey.

Cylinder numbering (physical locations)

The list below details where each cylinder is located when viewed from the front of the vehicle, standing at the bumper and looking into the engine bay. Bank 1 is the rear bank (closest to the firewall), and Bank 2 is the front bank (closest to the radiator). Passenger side is the right side of the vehicle; driver side is the left.

• Rear bank (firewall side, Bank 1):
  

  • Cylinder 1: rear–passenger side (timing belt end)
  • Cylinder 2: rear–center
  • Cylinder 3: rear–driver side (transmission end)

• Front bank (radiator side, Bank 2):
  

  • Cylinder 4: front–passenger side
  • Cylinder 5: front–center
  • Cylinder 6: front–driver side

This numbering is consistent with OBD-II conventions (Bank 1 contains Cylinder 1) and matches Honda service documentation for J-series V6 layouts.

Firing order

The following list shows the ignition sequence used by the 2012 Odyssey’s J35 V6.

1. 1
2. 4
3. 2
4. 5
5. 3
6. 6

This 1-4-2-5-3-6 sequence is the standard J-series V6 firing order and is unchanged across trims with or without Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

Why this matters for diagnostics and maintenance

Knowing both the numbering and firing order helps you correctly identify misfire codes (for example, P0301 = Cylinder 1 at the rear–passenger position), replace the correct coil or plug, and verify ignition/injector signals during troubleshooting. It also prevents common mistakes—like swapping front and rear bank cylinders or misidentifying Bank 1.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The points below highlight frequent sources of confusion when working on this engine.

• Assuming the front (radiator side) is Bank 1—on the J35, Bank 1 is the rear (firewall) bank.
• Reversing left/right orientation—always use vehicle sides (driver vs. passenger), not your viewpoint.
• Mixing up numbering with firing order—cylinder 1 does not necessarily fire first after every key-on event; follow 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Keeping these in mind ensures you target the correct component and interpret scan tool data accurately.

Summary

For a 2012 Honda Odyssey with the 3.5L J-series V6: cylinder numbering is rear bank (firewall) 1-2-3 from passenger to driver and front bank (radiator) 4-5-6 from passenger to driver; the firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. This layout aligns with Honda’s Bank 1 (rear) convention and supports accurate service and diagnostics.

In what order are cylinders numbered?

Engine cylinder numbering typically starts with cylinder #1 at the front of the engine, closest to the timing belt or chain, and then continues sequentially along the bank of cylinders. For V-type engines, the numbering convention varies by manufacturer, but generally, the forward-most cylinder in each bank is designated as #1, with subsequent cylinders numbered sequentially within each bank. 
Inline Engines:

• In inline engines, cylinder #1 is usually located at the front of the engine, near the timing cover or belt. 
• The numbering then proceeds sequentially (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) from front to back, according to some Quora users. 

This video explains how to identify cylinder 1 on a Ford 3.5L V6 engine: 36sYoshimoshiYouTube · Apr 14, 2021
V-Type Engines:

• In V-type engines, the cylinder banks are offset, and the numbering can vary between manufacturers. 
• Typically, the forward-most cylinder in the bank that is slightly ahead of the other is designated as #1 (e.g., left bank, cylinder #1 on a V6). 
• Manufacturers may choose to number cylinders sequentially within each bank (e.g., 1-2-3-4 on one bank and 5-6-7-8 on the other) or they may number the cylinders sequentially along the crankshaft (e.g., 1-3-5-7 on one bank and 2-4-6-8 on the other). 

This video explains the firing order and cylinder numbering for a V8 engine: 58sBad Influence GarageYouTube · Jan 4, 2021
Important Considerations:

• Manufacturer Variations: It’s crucial to consult the specific engine’s service manual or documentation for accurate cylinder numbering, as different manufacturers may use different systems. 
• Firing Order: Cylinder numbering is closely related to the engine’s firing order, which dictates the sequence in which the cylinders ignite. 
• Timing Belt/Chain End: In many engines, the timing belt or chain end is a reference point for cylinder #1, which is generally the closest cylinder to that end of the engine. 

What is the firing order of the 2012 Honda 3.5 L?

The firing order for the 2012 Honda Pilot equipped with the 3.5 engine is 1-4-2-5-3-6, and the #2 cylinder is located in the middle on the firewall side of the engine.

How are cyl numbered on Honda Odyssey?

You’re going to have cylinders. Number four five and six and bonus information that row of cylinders is going to be known as bank. Two. So there you have it folks super helpful.

What are the cylinder numbers for a 2012 Honda Odyssey?

The 2012 Honda Odyssey 3.5L V6 engine has cylinders numbered 1-3 on the front bank and 4-6 on the rear. Cylinder location is crucial for diagnosing misfires or spark plug replacement.