2008 Honda Accord V6 Cylinder Order: Numbering and Firing Sequence

On a 2008 Honda Accord V6 (J-series, e.g., J35Z2/J35Z3), the cylinders are numbered 1–2–3 on the rear bank (firewall side) from passenger to driver and 4–5–6 on the front bank (radiator side) from passenger to driver; the firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. This layout applies to both sedan and coupe V6 models and is useful for diagnosing misfires, replacing ignition coils, or locating specific cylinders.

Cylinder Numbering and Bank Identification

The transverse-mounted J-series V6 in the 2008 Accord has two cylinder banks. For orientation, stand in front of the car, looking toward the engine bay. The bank closest to the firewall is the rear bank; the bank closest to the radiator is the front bank. Honda designates the firewall-side bank as Bank 1 (where Cylinder 1 lives), which matters for O2 sensor and catalyst diagnostics.

• Rear bank (firewall side, Bank 1): Cylinders 1 (passenger side), 2 (center), 3 (driver side)
• Front bank (radiator side, Bank 2): Cylinders 4 (passenger side), 5 (center), 6 (driver side)

In short, count 1–2–3 across the rear row from the passenger side to the driver side, and 4–5–6 across the front row from the passenger side to the driver side.

Firing Order

The engine’s firing sequence determines the order in which cylinders ignite. On the 2008 Accord V6 J-series engine, the firing order is consistent across trims.

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

This 1-4-2-5-3-6 sequence is managed by coil-on-plug ignition and the engine control module, aiding smooth operation and accurate misfire diagnostics.

Practical Notes for Diagnosis and Service

When troubleshooting or performing maintenance, correctly identifying cylinder positions and banks prevents part-swapping errors and speeds up diagnosis.

• Misfire codes map directly: P0301 = Cylinder 1 (rear/passenger), P0306 = Cylinder 6 (front/driver), etc.
• Bank 1 components (e.g., upstream O2 sensor) are on the rear/firewall bank; Bank 2 is the front/radiator bank.
• Coil or plug replacement is cylinder-specific; use the numbering above to reach the correct location.

Keeping the bank and cylinder layout in mind helps ensure you address the correct component the first time.

Summary

The 2008 Honda Accord V6 numbers cylinders 1–2–3 on the rear/firewall bank (passenger to driver) and 4–5–6 on the front/radiator bank (passenger to driver). The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. These details are consistent across V6 trims and are essential for accurate diagnostics and repairs.

How to tell which cylinder is which on a V6?

Then the front would be towards. You but numbering these cylinders is important we’ve got one two three in the back. Then four five six in the front. That’s all there is to it thanks for watching.

What is the order of the cylinders on a Honda 3.0 V6?

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

What is the firing order of a Honda Accord cylinder?

2.7L and 3.0L Engines Firing order:1-4-2-5-3-6Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise.

What is the firing order on a 3.8 L V6?

The 3.8L V6 engine’s firing order depends on the vehicle’s manufacturer; GM 3.8L engines (like those in the Camaro) use 1-6-5-4-3-2, while Ford 3.8L engines (like the 2003 Mustang) use 1-4-2-5-3-6. Chrysler 3.8L V6 engines (in minivans) typically use 1-2-3-4-5-6. Always verify your specific vehicle’s firing order and cylinder identification to ensure correct spark plug installation and prevent engine misfires.
 
This video explains the firing order for the GM 3.8L V6 engine: 56sBarbour’s Auto HelpYouTube · Jul 22, 2017
Examples of 3.8L V6 Firing Orders by Manufacturer 

• General Motors (GM): 1-6-5-4-3-2 
  • Cylinder Identification (from front, driver’s side): 1-3-5 on one bank and 2-4-6 on the other. 
• Ford: 1-4-2-5-3-6 
  • Cylinder Identification (from front, passenger side): 1 is on the passenger side. 
• Chrysler: 1-2-3-4-5-6 
  • Cylinder Identification (from front, passenger side): 1 is on the passenger side. 

Why the Firing Order Matters

• Smooth Engine Performance: The firing order ensures the engine runs smoothly by distributing the power evenly, preventing rough idling and power loss. 
• Troubleshooting Misfires: Knowing the correct sequence is essential for diagnosing engine problems like misfires, especially when replacing spark plugs, spark plug wires, or ignition coils. 
• Correct Component Installation: It ensures that the spark plug wires or coil packs are connected to the correct cylinders, as the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) manages the ignition sequence.