I have a 2005 camry with the 4cl engine. about 10,000 miles ago I changed the oil pump the bypass inside the pump was stuck and was getting a oil light. Car has been running great. I'm now getting a CIL with code P0012 camshaft position timing over retarded. I first cleaned the screen for the VVT solenoid. It was nasty.. Then I replaced the VVT Solenoid and the Camshaft position sensor.. Still having the same rattle and running poorly at idle.

I'm wondering if the ECM isn't sending the correct signals to the VVT.

 

What area of the engine is making the rattle? The VVTi gearing system is on the end of the intake camshaft. This system can rattle if bad. There is also a timing chain tensioner that can go bad located on side of engine.

The link below provides some info on the code.

https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%...em/0050014.pdf

 

thanks for the reply. The noise I’m 99.9% sure it’s the cam phaser. I put a new chain tensioner when I put the new oil pump about 10,000 miles ago.
I unplugged the vvt and used some jumper wires straight to a battery and at idle the engine would die. I’m guessing it went full advance. So that tells me it’s getting oil when the vvt opens. I’m thinking the pcm isn’t telling the vvt to open.

 

The VVTi system is full retard at engine idle and the oil pressure to the system is nil. If the VVTi actuator mechanism is rattling it could have damage. Problem VVTi actuators (rattle) are not uncommon.

If you can find an oscilloscope you should be able to view the signals from the ECM. These are high/low signals that vary in duration.

 

i don’t have access to a oscilloscope to test the circuit. I may have to bring it to the shop.
do you know of any good info for changing the phaser. I know on the ford it has a torque to yield bolt. That holds it on.

 

The actuator is held on by one bolt using a typical torque to a specific number process..

Not much is available on taking the actuator pulley apart. Appears to a remove and replace item.

Per chance did you take the timing change off or allow the chain to move relative to the sprocket teeth?