Why Your Honda LaneWatch Camera Isn’t Working (And What to Do About It)

The Honda LaneWatch camera often fails due to connectivity problems. Many Honda owners neglect to regularly calibrate or recalibrate their car’s camera. The LaneWatch feature is no longer included in most newer Honda models.

Why Does the Honda LaneWatch Camera Fail?

Several factors can cause the LaneWatch camera to malfunction. The fix depends on the specific behavior of the camera.

• No video on the dashboard – if the dashboard console functions normally but the camera feed is absent, there’s likely a connectivity issue. Access the LaneWatch menu to disable the camera display, turn off the vehicle, restart it, and then reactivate the camera via the menu.
• Calibration is required – to calibrate the camera, enter calibration mode. This typically involves pressing and holding three buttons on the radio, though their location varies by Honda model. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on calibrating the LaneWatch camera. In calibration mode, the right mirror’s light will blink on and off.

What Is Honda LaneWatch?

Struggling with lane changes on highways or city streets, merging off ramps, or making safe left turns?

Honda has responded to drivers’ frustrations and the sound of collisions during merges by developing a solution.

They introduced Honda LaneWatch, a system that activates a camera when you signal right. The camera streams video to the central dashboard console, showing two to three lanes to your right and any approaching traffic behind you.

How to Operate Honda LaneWatch

To use the LaneWatch camera, the driver must engage the right turn signal.

Once the signal is activated, the camera automatically starts and displays a clear view of the two lanes to the right on the dashboard.

This allows the driver to check if it’s safe to merge right or make a right turn.

How to Keep the Camera Active

You can keep the camera on to continuously show activity to the right of your vehicle on the dashboard.

A button on the turn signal lever enables this feature, keeping the camera active and streaming video.

It’s a small black button with an icon of a car and a white triangle. Pressing it turns the button blue, indicating the camera is on.

To deactivate the camera and stop the video feed, press the button again.

How to Reset Honda’s Computer

If the camera’s sensors fail, try resetting the vehicle’s ECU (computer) that links the camera to the dashboard before visiting a Honda-certified mechanic.

1. Open your car’s hood and locate a small black box with blue text on the right side of the engine. The text indicates which fuse controls each vehicle component. Find the ECU fuse.
2. Remove the cover of the black box and find the ECU fuse.
3. Take out the fuse, wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it.
4. Replace the cover on the fuse box. The computer should now be reset. If the camera still doesn’t work, visit a Honda dealer.

Is the LaneWatch Camera Defective?

Occasionally, manufacturing errors or faulty wiring can occur during a vehicle’s assembly, resulting in a defective product before it even leaves the factory.

Honda has previously issued recalls for vehicles due to problems with engines, wiring, or parking systems.

After reviewing Honda owner forums, it’s clear that many users report persistent issues with their LaneWatch cameras, such as frequent shutdowns or complete failure.

If your LaneWatch camera problems persist, consult a Honda-certified mechanic.

Ask if Honda has issued any notices to mechanics about camera issues or if a recall is in effect.

Some owners, frustrated by ongoing camera issues, opt to trade in their vehicle for a different model.

Honda Discontinuing LaneWatch in Future Models

Honda has decided that LaneWatch technology is less effective than anticipated, so future vehicles will not include it.

It’s being replaced with blind-spot monitoring technology.

Many newer Honda models already lack LaneWatch as part of their electronic systems.

According to caranddriver.com, blind-spot technology is becoming more common across manufacturers.

Final Thoughts

If your LaneWatch camera malfunctions, Honda experts recommend restarting the vehicle before seeking a mechanic’s help.

LaneWatch is losing popularity, and Honda is phasing it out in current and future models, favoring blind-spot monitoring instead.

Many drivers find that camera issues persist, leading them to trade in their vehicle for another model.