Please help with code P1349 on 2000 avalon

[dmasshardt]

I recently got a 2000 Avalon and it has twice given me the code P1349 - VVT system (variable valve timing)

The check engine and VSC lights come of at the same time and then after a while go out on their own while the car is off without having to be cleared.

The light was off for three days and then came on again last night.

Are there any easy things to check before getting into major engine stuff? External sensors or that sort of thing?

I see that the timing belt was changed about 20k ago and have a sneaking suspicion that maybe something was done wrong there. Would that make any sense?

I don't mind getting this problem fixed but I really can't afford hours of diagnostic work with no fix, so any advice is much appricated.

Thanks! Dan

[csaxon]

Under certain conditions customers may experience a MIL "ON" condition with DTC P1349 indicating a variable valve timing (VVTi) malfunction. In some cases, the cause of this DTS may be the VVTi actuator.

If you are having to give it gas for it to idle your vvti gear is locked up in the advanced position or your vvti actuator is on.

[dmasshardt]

It does not require any gas to idle. The car runs perfectly all the time - if the light didn't come on periodically there would be no problem.

What is the actuator? A mechanical part of an electonic part?

Thanks for your help!

[csaxon]

The system is controlled by oil pressure through an oil control valve to the VVT controller. The VVt controller then changes relative position between the camshaft and the crankshaft. This controls the valve timing depending on driving conditions.
P1349 indicates a Bank 1 (fire wall) vvt system malfunction.

The cams maay not have been positioned correctly (off a few teeth) but the valve timing error would be apparant in less than 20,000miles.
There's a possibility that a piece of crud is in the system and will be ejected over time.

[dmasshardt]

I do not know the service history of the car - I just see the sticker that the timing belt was replaced. it could well be a recurring problem the whole time... I don't suppose there's any way to know if it is off a gear without taking it apart? Is that something that a small garage could easily mess up?

[csaxon]

On the vvt engine damage to the valves can occur if the cams are not set properly. Has the oil been changed routinely? It can simply be a piece of crud.

I would only let a dealer familiar with the system work on it. It will be expensive to repair if it's an actual component.

[csaxon]

Go to the library or book store and look for a Chilton Toyota Camry repair manual 1997-01. It covers Avalon. There is a good explaination of the system and ways to check it including removal and cleaning of the (OCV) oil control valve filters. pages 2b3-5.
Good luck.

[csaxon]

Try the avalon section of toyotanation.com for quicker feedback.