Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Škoda Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI: photo, diagram and testing instructions

The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the key elements of the engine management system Škoda Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI (models CW1A and CW1B). Its malfunction leads to malfunctions of the engine: from unstable idling to complete failure to start. Owners often face the problem of finding this sensor - its location is not always obvious, especially for beginners.

In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates with reference to elements of the engine compartment, photos and diagrams for visual reference, as well as practical advice on diagnostics. We will look at how to distinguish the camshaft sensor from the camshaft sensor, what tools are needed for checking and when you should think about replacement. The information is relevant for gasoline engines 1.4 TSI (series CAXA, CZDA, CZEA) with timing chain and belt drive.

Design and principle of operation of the crankshaft sensor on the Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI

DPKV on Škoda Octavia Tour refers to inductive type - it reads the signal from the ring gear mounted on the crankshaft. Unlike Hall sensors, there is no active electronics: the signal is generated by a change in the magnetic field as metal teeth pass past the core.

Design Features:

• 🔹 Housing - plastic with a metal core, sealed from moisture.
• 🔹 Connector — 3-pin (power, signal, ground), with a lock for vibration protection.
• 🔹 Ring gear — 60 teeth (2 missing for synchronization), located on the flywheel or damper.

Critical nuance for 1.4 TSI: on these engines the crankshaft sensor has no duplicate signal (unlike some diesel versions Octavia). This means that if it fails, the engine ECU (Bosch ME 7.5.20 or Simos 12) will not be able to adjust ignition and injection, which will lead to the engine stopping.

Exact location of the sensor: photo and diagram

On Škoda Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI crankshaft sensor installed on cylinder block on the gearbox side, next to the flywheel. To find it:

1. Open the hood and remove the engine top cover (if equipped).
2. Focus on right side of the engine (in the direction of travel of the car), next to the place where the box is attached.
3. Look for a plastic connector with a black or gray body protruding from the aluminum block.

Visual references:

• 📍 It is located below the camshaft sensor (which is located on the cylinder head).
• 📍 Near the starter mounting point (but not on it!).
• 📍 The sensor is connected to a wiring harness that is attached to clips along the block.

Engine model	Engine code	DPKV location	Features
1.4 TSI (122 hp)	CZDA	Cylinder block, right of flywheel	The sensor is fixed with 1 bolt under Torx T20
1.4 TSI (140 hp)	CZEA	Cylinder block, next to the clutch	A connector with a white chip (as opposed to the black one on CZDA)
1.4 TSI (ACT, 150 hp)	CAXA	Cylinder block, under intake manifold	Requires removal of air filter for access

⚠️ Attention: On motors CAXA (150 hp) sensor can be hidden under a heat shield. Don't confuse it with knock sensor, which is located higher and has a round shape!

Signs of DPKV malfunction: when is it time to check

Crankshaft sensor failure Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI appears clearly, but the symptoms may coincide with other malfunctions (for example, ignition coils or fuel pump). Main features:

• 🚨 Engine won't start, the starter turns, but there is no flash in the cylinders.
• 🔥 Idle speed swim (from 500 to 1500 rpm).
• ⚡ Misfires under load (during acceleration or climbing).
• 📛 Lights up on the dashboard Check Engine with errors P0335 or P0336.

Diagnostics via scanner (VCDS, ELM327) will show:

• 🔧 P0335 — sensor circuit malfunction.
• 🔧 P0336 — signal out of acceptable limits.
• 🔧 P0322 — absence of signal (may indicate breakage or oxidation of contacts).

Important: If the engine starts but runs rough, the problem may be contamination of the sensor with metal shavings (especially after repairing the clutch or flywheel). In this case, cleaning rather than replacement is sufficient.

Step-by-step instructions: how to check the crankshaft sensor

To diagnose DPCV on Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI you will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter (with resistance and voltage measurement mode).
• 🔧 Screwdriver Torx T20 or T25 (depending on the year of manufacture).
• 🔧 Jack or inspection hole (for access from below).

Procedure:

1. Removing the sensor:
   • Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
   • Press the connector latch and disconnect the block.
   • Unscrew the fastening bolt (do not lose the washer!).
   • Carefully remove the sensor without damaging the O-ring.
2. Resistance check:
   • Connect the multimeter probes to the terminals 1 and 2 (pins on the sensor connector).
   • Normal resistance: 550–750 Ohm (at 20°C).
3. Inductance check (optional):
   • Use LC meter or oscilloscope.
   • Norm: 200–400 mH.

If the parameters are not normal, the sensor must be replaced. Not allowed installation of used parts - even if they are visually in good condition, they may have microcracks that affect the signal.

Replacing the crankshaft sensor: nuances and recommendations

The process of replacing DPKV with Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI takes 15–30 minutes, but there are several critical moments:

1. Gap between sensor and ring gear must be 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, the signal will be weak.
2. O-ring - definitely need to be replaced! An old ring may leak oil, causing a short circuit.
3. Bolt tightening torque: 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum block!).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Install the new sensor into the seat, making sure that it is seated all the way.
2. Tighten the mounting bolt with a torque wrench.
3. Connect the connector until the latch clicks.
4. Reset errors via diagnostic scanner (eg VCDS in the block 01-Engine).

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the sensor, the engine may run unstably for the first 2-3 starts - this is normal, as the ECU adapts to the new signal. If the problem persists, check alignment of the sensor and the rim (the flywheel may have been displaced after the clutch was repaired).

What should I do if the error remains after the replacement?

Check:

1. Integrity of the wiring from the sensor to the ECU (often frays near the exhaust manifold).

2. Condition of the ring gear - if the teeth are worn or chipped, the signal will be unstable.

3. Adjusting the timing belt - if the marks are knocked down, the sensor may produce false signals.

Frequent mistakes during diagnostics and repairs

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with DPKV on Škoda Octavia Tour. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 DPKV is confused with the camshaft sensor — the latter is located on the head of the block and has a different connector (4 contacts).
• 🔧 Ignore clearance check — even a new sensor will not work if the crown is dirty or deformed.
• 🔧 ECU adaptations are not reset after replacement, which causes the engine to operate in emergency mode.

Typical pitfalls:

• 🕳️ On motors CAXA (150 HP) sensor can be closed heat shield — it must be removed by unscrewing 3 bolts T30.
• 🕳️ When dismantling the sensor it is easy to damage wiring harnesspassing next to the exhaust manifold (risk of insulation melting).

Advice from the experts: If the engine does not start after replacing the sensor, check connector polarity. On some versions Octavia contacts 1 and 2 can be mixed up - this will lead to a lack of signal.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

No. The engine will either not start or will run emergency mode with misfires. Driving for a long time in this condition leads to catalyst overheating and failure of ignition coils.

Which crankshaft sensor is suitable for Octavia Tour 1.4 TSI?

Original article: 03C-905-163 or 03C-905-163-A (depending on the year). Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Hella 6PT 009 105-021, Valeo 587036. Please check VIN compatibility before purchasing.

Why doesn't P0335 go away after replacing the sensor?

Reasons:

• 🔹 The wiring between the sensor and the ECU is damaged.
• 🔹 The ECU itself (engine control unit) is faulty.
• 🔹 The ring gear on the flywheel has mechanical damage.

Check the chain with a multimeter and inspect the ring through the inspection window in the clutch housing.

Do I need to reset adaptations after replacing the DPKV?

Yes, especially on engines with the system Valvelift (140–150 hp). Use a diagnostic scanner to reset adaptations in blocks 01-Engine and 03-ABS (if the error affects the operation of the ESP).

Is it possible to clean the crankshaft sensor without removing it?

No. For proper cleaning, it is necessary to dismantle the sensor and remove metal shavings from its end alcohol or contact cleaner. Do not use abrasive materials!