Error 02391 on Skoda Octavia A5 (2004–2013) - one of the most common problems in the engine control unit (ECU). It indicates a fault in the circuit camshaft position sensor (CPR), but in practice the reasons can be much wider - from banal oxidation of contacts to serious problems with the timing belt. Owners often encounter this error after replacing the timing belt, chip tuning, or even after a regular engine compartment wash.

In this article we will analyze not only the standard reasons for the appearance of P02391 (this is how the error is designated in the international classification OBD-II), but also rare cases that even official dealers are silent about. You will learn how to correctly diagnose a problem without an expensive scanner, what Cheap analogs of original sensors can be used without risk to the engine, and why sometimes the error disappears by itself after 1-2 engine starts. The material is based on the experience of owners, service manuals Ε koda and data from forums Club-Octavia.ru and Drive2.

What does error 02391 mean on Octavia A5?

Code 02391 in the self-diagnosis system Skoda Octavia A5 stands for "Implausible camshaft position sensor signal (bank 1)". In international standard OBD-II this code matches P0341 - "Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)". However, in practice the error may indicate:

  • πŸ”§ Malfunction of the DPRV sensor (break, short circuit or wear)
  • ⚑ Problems with the sensor wiring or connector (oxidation, breakage, poor contact)
  • βš™οΈ Misaligned or incorrect installation camshaft (for example, after replacing the timing belt)
  • πŸ”„ Mismatch between DPRV and crankshaft sensor (CPCV)
  • πŸ’» Engine control unit firmware failure (ECU)

The peculiarity of this error is Octavia A5 is that it can appear sporadically - for example, only on a cold engine or at high speeds. In some cases the error is accompanied by:

  • πŸš— Jerky during acceleration
  • πŸ”₯ Floating speed at idle
  • πŸ›‘ Difficulty starting the engine (especially in cold weather)
  • πŸ’¨ Loss of power (as if the car β€œdoes not pull”)
⚠️ Attention: If there is an error 02391 appears along with P0340 (no DPRV signal) or P0335 (problems with DPKV), this may indicate timing mark offset. In this case, further operation of the car without repair is fraught with collision of pistons with valves and engine overhaul.

Reasons for error 02391: from simple to complex

Let's start with the most obvious and cheapest to eliminate causes, gradually moving on to more serious ones. According to statistics from service centers, in 60% of cases The problem is solved by replacing the sensor or cleaning the contacts.

Reason Probability (%) Repair cost (rubles) Difficulty in eliminating
Oxidation of contacts of the DPRV connector 25% 0–200 (cleaning) ⭐ (simple)
DPRV sensor malfunction 35% 1,500–3,000 (replacement) ⭐⭐ (average)
Problems with wiring (break, short circuit) 15% 500–2,000 (repair) ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)
Timing timing mark offset 10% 3,000–8,000 (adjustment) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very difficult)
ECU firmware failure 5% 2,000–10,000 (reflash) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (requires special equipment)

The most insidious reason is discrepancy between DPRV and DPKV signals. This may happen due to:

  • πŸ”„ Stretched timing belt (even if it is not torn, over time it stretches and shifts phases)
  • πŸ› οΈ Incorrect camshaft installation after renovation
  • πŸ”§ Camshaft gear wear (less common, but occurs on runs over 200 thousand km)
πŸ“Š How often do you have Am I error 02391?
  • Constantly on
  • Cold engine only
  • At high speed
  • Episodically, without patterns
  • Hasn't appeared yet

How to diagnose error 02391 without a scanner?

If you don't have a diagnostic scanner (VCDS, ELM327 or Launch), an error can be identified by indirect signs and simple checks. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Check the symptoms: If the car doesn't start well, stalls or stalls at idle, this is a reason to suspect problems with the air pressure control valve.
  2. Inspect the sensor: it is located on the cylinder head (timing belt side). On Octavia A5 with engines 1.6 MPI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 FSI The sensor is secured with one bolt.
  3. Check the connector: disconnect the chip and inspect the contacts for oxidation or moisture. If there is a green coating, clean the contacts alcohol solution.
  4. Call the wiring: using a multimeter, check the integrity of the wires from the sensor to ECU (the connection diagram is in the manual).

For more accurate diagnosis, you can use flash lamp (or even a smartphone with the camera turned on):

  • πŸ”¦ Connect the lamp to the DPRV signal wire (usually the middle contact in the connector).
  • πŸ”„ Crank the engine with the starter (without starting it).
  • πŸ’‘ If the lamp flashing - the sensor is OK. If doesn't blink or lights up constantly - the sensor is faulty.

Take a photo of the location of the connector|Mark the position of the sensor with a marker|Check the new sensor for compatibility with your engine|Use a torque wrench to tighten (torque 8-10 Nm)|After installation, reset errors through the scanner-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the air pressure sensor on an Octavia A5

If diagnostics show that the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. For Skoda Octavia A5 The following original and similar spare parts are suitable:

Manufacturer Article Price (rubles) Notes
VAG (original) 06B 906 086 2 800–3 500 Best quality but expensive
Bosch 0 261 210 115 1 800–2 200 The best option in terms of price/quality
ERA 550 434 900–1 200 Budget option, suitable for temporary replacement
Vemo V10-72-0010 1 300–1 600 Good reviews, but there are fakes

Replacement Tools:

  • πŸ”§ 10 mm socket or socket wrench
  • πŸ”¨ Flat blade screwdriver (for removing chips)
  • 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner (if the bolt is soured)
  • πŸ“± Scanner for resetting errors (for example, ELM327 for 500 rubles)

Step by step replacement:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (required!).
  2. Disconnect the connector from the sensor by pressing the latch.
  3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (force may be required).
  4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side.
  5. Install the new sensor by aligning the groove on the body with the protrusion on the block.
  6. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
  7. Connect the battery connector and terminal.
  8. Reset errors using a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.
πŸ’‘

If the error remains after replacing the sensor, check clearance between sensor and camshaft gear. He must be 0.5–1.5 mm. If necessary, place a washer.

What to do if replacing the sensor did not help?

If after replacing the DPRV there is an error 02391 continues to appear, the problem lies deeper. Let's consider possible scenarios and solutions:

1. Wiring problems

Check the circuit from the sensor to ECU:

  • πŸ” Inspect the wiring harness for chafing (especially near the exhaust manifold).
  • πŸ“Š Check the wires with a multimeter for opens and short circuits:
    • Contact 1 (ground) β†’ should ring on the body.
    • Pin 2 (signal) β†’ resistance ~500–700 Ohm.
    • Pin 3 (+12V) β†’ there should be voltage when the ignition is on.

2. Timing timing mark offset

If the error is accompanied knocking in the engine or misfires, most likely, the labels have shifted. Check:

  • πŸ”„ Matching marks on camshaft and crankshaft.
  • πŸ“ Timing belt tension (it should not bend more than 5–7 mm when pressed).
  • πŸ› οΈ Condition of the rollers and pump (worn parts can β€œeat” the belt).
⚠️ Attention: On engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 FSI when the timing belt breaks guaranteed valve bending. If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust the adjustment of the marks to professionals.

3. ECU firmware failure

Rarely, but it happens that an error 02391 appears due to a β€œglitch” of the control unit. Signals from the sensors arrive normally, but ECU misinterprets them. Solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Reset adaptations via VCDS (in block 01-Drosselklappe).
  • πŸ’» Reflash ECU to the current version (for example, from official dealers).
  • πŸ”§ If the error appears after chip tuning, return the stock firmware.
How to check the DPRV signal with an oscilloscope?

For accurate diagnostics, you can use an oscilloscope or even an inexpensive USB oscilloscope (for example, Hantek 6022BE). Connect the probe to the DPRV signal wire and crank the engine with the starter. A working sensor should output square wave with amplitude 0–5V and clear fronts. If the signal is β€œsmeared” or absent, the sensor or wiring is faulty.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Octavia A5 are faced with the fact that after self-repair there is an error 02391 returns or new problems appear. Here are the common mistakes and how to prevent them:

  • πŸ”§ Tightening the sensor bolt β†’ may cause damage to the housing or displacement of the sensing element. Solution: use a torque wrench (torque 8–10 Nm).
  • ⚑ Ignoring oxidized contacts β†’ even a new sensor will not work correctly. Solution: clean the connector contacts special liquid (for example, Kontakt 60).
  • πŸ”„ Failure to reset adaptations after replacement β†’ ECU continues to use old data. Solution: reset errors and adaptations via VCDS or disconnecting the battery for 10+ minutes.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use of low-quality analogues β†’ cheap sensors often fail after 1–2 months. Solution: take trusted brands (Bosch, VAG, Hella).

Another common problem is damage to the sensor o-ring. If it is not replaced, moisture will enter the connector, which will lead to a short circuit. The original ring comes with the new sensor, but if you are buying only the sensor, buy the ring separately (item no. N 908 132 01).

πŸ’‘

If after replacing the sensor the engine begins to run worse (for example, misfires appear), most likely you installed incompatible sensor or the connector is connected incorrectly. Check the article number and connection diagram!

Owner reviews: real experience in dealing with error 02391

To give a more complete picture, we collected reviews from owners Skoda Octavia A5 from forums and social networks. Here's what they say:

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”§ Alexey, Octavia A5 1.8 TSI (2008):

"Error 02391 appeared after replacing the timing belt. The technician said that the marks were set correctly, but the error did not go away. It turned out that when installing the belt, the tension roller β€” it was skewed by 2 mm. After reinstalling everything worked."

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”§ Igor, Octavia A5 2.0 FSI (2010):

"I changed the DPRV sensor three times - the error returned after a week. The problem was wiring: somewhere under the corrugation the signal wire has frayed. I had to disassemble half of the harness to find the break point."

πŸ‘©β€πŸ”§ Olga, Octavia A5 1.6 MPI (2007):

β€œMy error only appeared in the rain. It turned out that water got into the sensor connector through a crack in the corrugation. I sealed it with heat shrink and the problem disappeared.”

From these reviews it is clear that The sensor itself is not always to blame. Often the problem lies in little things that you don’t pay attention to during a superficial diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error 02391 on Octavia A5

Is it possible to drive with error 02391?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. Driving for a long time with this error can lead to:

  • πŸ”₯ Increased fuel consumption (up to +2–3 l/100 km).
  • πŸ’₯ Damage to the catalyst due to improper combustion of the mixture.
  • ⚑ Engine overheating (if the error is related to the timing belt).

If the error appears sporadically, you can go to the service center. If it is constantly on, it is better to call a tow truck.

Why does the error only appear on a cold engine?

This is a typical sign:

  • πŸ”Œ Bad contact in the sensor connector (when heated, the metal expands and contact is temporarily restored).
  • 🧊 Condensate in the connector (moisture evaporates when warmed up).
  • πŸ“‰ Wear sensor (when cold its resistance is beyond acceptable limits).

Solution: clean the contacts, check the sensor with a multimeter (resistance should be 500–700 Ohm at 20Β°C).

What other errors may appear along with 02391?

Frequent "companions" of this error:

  • P0340 β€” no DPRV signal.
  • P0335 β€” malfunction of the DPKV circuit.
  • P0300 - random misfires.
  • P0171 β€” lean mixture (may be due to incorrect operation of the air pressure control valve).

If together with 02391 are burning P0340 and P0335most likely the problem is displacement of timing marks or ECU malfunctions.

Is it possible to reset error 02391 without a scanner?

Yes, there are two ways:

  1. Disconnecting the battery: remove the negative terminal on 10–15 minutes. This will clear errors in memory ECU.
  2. Pedal combination: on some versions Octavia A5 reset works via: 
    1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).

    2. Press the gas pedal all the way and hold for 10 seconds.
    

    3. Turn off the ignition without releasing the pedal.
    

    4. Wait 1 minute, release the pedal.

However, these methods will not eliminate the cause errors, but only temporarily hide it.

How much does a service repair cost?

The cost depends on the reason:

Type of repair Cost (rubles)
Diagnostics (scanner + check) 500–1 500
Replacing the DPRV sensor 1,500–3,000 (with spare part)
Wiring repair 1 000–3 000
Adjusting timing marks 3 000–8 000
ECU flashing 2 000–10 000

In official services Ε koda prices may be higher by 30–50%.