AZhitman wrote:The intake valve timing control solenoid valve uses oil flow to control timing. Low oil level OR dirty oil can cause the valve to stick open or closed.
Replace the valve, but FIRST, check oil level - then, change engine oil and filter, reset code.
Thanks. I checked oil and it was low (didn't expect that since I had oil change a couple months ago). 2 quarts brought oil back to midway on dipstick and the heinous noise is gone. Phew.
However I unhooked the battery a good 10-20 seconds and the SEL remains on. Should I still replace the "intake valve timing control solenoid valve" or the sensor? Did it get messed up?