Corolla 2002 P1349 trouble code? check engine light.

[g.b.]

Hi, i recently bought a 2002 toyota corolla and soon after i bought it, the check engine light appeared. The engine is a 1.8 DOHC VVT-I engine. The code means that there is a problem with the vvti system. I try to find on the internet what i could do, but nothing is really helping. I wonder if anyone here already had this problem, and if so, what to do?
i know very little about the vvti system, but I know mechanic good enough to understand if anyone could help or explain how it works and what the problem could be. ALso the engine makes an annoying sound, a clinging sound, only when the engine is in gear(manual transmission)on neutral, no sound, but when in charge, a disturbing Wrrrrrr appear.
Once, last week, the check engine light came off, and the sound dissapeared too, but the same day, the light re-appeared, and the sound too. I think it's co-related...
anyone with an idea?
thanks
g.b.

[retiredat44]

maybe you have an auto parts store up there with a free tool loaner program where you can use a angine scan tool free? They do in the USA at some auto parts stores. Either that of pay for one of those cheap diagnostics for a few bucks..

[g.b.]

thanks for the advice, but i already scanned the code, like i said, code: P1349
description: VVT-I system malfunctionning...
that's all that says...
i'm presently studying mechanic, so have acces to the scan tool easily...
i wanted to know if anyone already experienced that.. teachers at school are not the most competents...
thanks anyway
g.b.

[dLo914]

i googled 2002 corolla P1349 code and found this: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/...002/tsbs.shtml
this one is even more helpful a guy provides the solution: http://experts.about.com/q/Toyota-Re.../pinging-2.htm

[OEMonkey]

Check oil pressure first. Check for oil sludge, pop the valve cover check the strainer.

Command the vvt acuator on w/ the engine running. It should stall or run rough if the actuator is good.

Check the timing chain. Scope the cam and crank sensors to see if they're in sync.

Check tsb on this thing. More than likely there is one related to it. HTH.

[g.b.]

thanks a lot averyone, i'll check that out.
also, Oemonkey, could oyu please tell me what is Tsb? i'm a little new to these forums, and also, my primary language is french, so i get some problemes with abreviations.
Also, the HTH at the end?
Sorry
thanks
g.b.

[timky1]

I have a 2002 Camry, 2.4L with a P1349, same VVTI issue as discussed here. The P1349 is often followed by a P420, "catalytic convert bank 2 below efficiency". OEMonkey, My question, how difficult is it to scope the cam and crank? Does it require removing the timing chain cover, or are you referring to sing a timing light?

Now the P1349 is followed by a P0420.