Which cylinder is number 1 on a Honda engine?
On most Honda engines, cylinder number 1 is at the timing belt/chain end of the engine. For the common transverse inline‑four Hondas, that’s the cylinder at the belt/chain cover end; for Honda’s transverse J‑series V6, cylinder 1 sits on the rear (firewall) bank at the belt/chain end. Below is a clear breakdown by engine layout and practical ways to verify it on your vehicle.
Contents
The general Honda rule
Honda numbers cylinders starting at the timing belt/chain end of the engine. On V engines, the bank that contains cylinder 1 is “Bank 1.” In transverse J‑series V6 applications (Accord V6, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, many Acura models), Bank 1 is the rear bank closest to the firewall, and cylinder 1 is at that bank’s belt/chain end.
Common Honda configurations and cylinder numbering
Transverse inline‑four (Civic, Accord I4, CR‑V, Fit, HR‑V, etc.)
In Honda’s transverse inline‑four cars, the timing belt/chain and crank pulley are at one end of the engine near the fender. Cylinder numbering runs from that belt/chain end across the engine.
- Cylinder 1: The cylinder at the timing belt/chain end (the end with the timing cover and crank pulley).
- Cylinders 2–4: Continue in order away from the belt/chain end across the engine.
If you’re standing at the front bumper, cylinder 1 will be the cylinder nearest the visible timing cover/crank pulley. The exact side of the bay can vary by market and model, so use the belt/chain end as your fixed reference point.
Longitudinal inline‑four (S2000 and some specialty applications)
For longitudinal inline‑four Hondas (not common outside performance/specialty models), cylinder 1 is at the front of the engine by the accessory belts/radiator.
- Cylinder 1: Front of the engine, near the accessory drive and radiator.
- Cylinders 2–4: Numbered sequentially toward the firewall.
This orientation follows the same rule: cylinder 1 is at the belt/chain end, which in longitudinal layouts is at the front of the car.
Transverse J‑series V6 (Accord V6, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline; Acura MDX, TL, etc.)
On Honda/Acura transverse J‑series V6 engines, the rear bank (closest to the firewall) is Bank 1 and contains cylinder 1. Numbering proceeds along each bank from the timing belt/chain end.
- Rear bank (firewall side) = Bank 1:
- Timing belt/chain end: Cylinder 1
- Middle: Cylinder 3
- Opposite end: Cylinder 5
- Front bank (radiator side) = Bank 2:
- Timing belt/chain end: Cylinder 2
- Middle: Cylinder 4
- Opposite end: Cylinder 6
A quick confirmation tip: on these V6s, OBD‑II “Bank 1” oxygen sensors and fuel trims reference the rear (firewall) bank containing cylinder 1.
Less common/unique layouts (older longitudinal V6, high‑performance/rare models)
While most modern Honda/Acura vehicles follow the patterns above, some older or specialty models (e.g., NSX, early Legend) have unique packaging. The same guiding principle holds—cylinder 1 is at the timing belt/chain end, and Bank 1 contains cylinder 1—but always verify with the factory service manual for those specific engines.
How to identify cylinder 1 on your specific Honda
If you’re unsure of your engine’s layout, these checks will pinpoint cylinder 1 on your vehicle in minutes.
- Locate the timing belt/chain end: Find the plastic timing cover and crank pulley—the nearest cylinder is number 1.
- Check the under‑hood emissions or vacuum routing label: Many list bank/cylinder references.
- Use a scan tool: On V6 models, “Bank 1” live O2/fuel‑trim data corresponds to the bank with cylinder 1.
- Consult the factory service manual (FSM) for your exact model/engine code: It includes a cylinder identification diagram.
- Verify TDC marks: The service procedure for setting #1 at top dead center (TDC) will reference the #1 cylinder location.
These methods work across generations and markets, eliminating confusion from driver/passenger‑side references that vary by left‑ or right‑hand‑drive vehicles.
Summary
Cylinder 1 on a Honda is the cylinder at the timing belt/chain end. On the ubiquitous transverse inline‑four, that’s the belt/chain end cylinder with numbering running across the engine. On the transverse J‑series V6, cylinder 1 is on the rear (firewall) bank at the belt/chain end, with Bank 1 being that rear bank. When in doubt, find the timing cover/crank pulley, or verify with the FSM or a scan tool’s Bank 1 readings.
Where is the cylinder 1 on a Honda Fit?
Looking at the engine under the hood, cylinder 1 is left, closest to the ‘front’ of the engine.
Which cylinder is number 1 on a Honda?
Information that row of cylinders is going to be called bank. One. And then on the left side of the engine that’s the side of the engine closest to the radiator. You’re going to have cylinders.
Which is cylinder 1 on a V6?
On a V6 engine, cylinder #1 is typically the forward-most cylinder on the passenger side (also known as Bank 1). The other cylinders in that bank are numbered sequentially (2, 3) towards the back of the engine, while the other bank (Bank 2, driver’s side) follows the same pattern: #4 is the forward-most cylinder, followed by #5 and #6.
Where is the #1 cylinder located?
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.
