p0018 code, how to check; what can I do before bringing it in

Shade-tree mechanic here, looking for some help with the p0018 code.

The truck doesn't get driven much in the summer (a few hundred miles every month or so) with 180,000 miles on it but does in the winter. Oil changed regularly and last change was about 2,000 ago. Runs rough at idle but fine at speed, with the exception of a little "stutter" every once in a while. I did a few searches and there's some talk about cleaning some filters so what can I check/replace/clean myself without getting too far into it like taking the valve covers or similar off? I'm willing to try a few things to see if it clears. Any help, location it parts to look at, tips, etc... welcome.

As always, your help is appreciated!

 

Most common cause of timing codes on the 4.0L is the Oil Control Solenoids sticking, the screens can clog but that's usually on engines with neglected maintenance. Timing Chain stretch is another possibility but not as common.

 

Excellent. And if they are sticking is it a replacement or cleaning thing. I'll assume a replacement but thought I'd ask. Can you show me the link to that diagram? That's a great reference. And thanks for the links, that will be my evening reading.

 

You can try to clean them but most of the time that doesn't work.
The pictures are from service info, I have service info access through the shop I work at. There's an 06 FSM you can find if you poke around but we aren't allowed to link to it.

There was alot of discussion about the timing codes in the thread below.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1gr-fe-bank-1-vvti-issues-p0011-p0012-p0016.770671/

 

Thanks again dm93 for your diagrams and advice. Do you (or anyone?) have a PN for this for bank 2. If its in the $100-$150 range I might just order the part now and replace it as long as I'm removing it to inspect. Not a typical fan of throwing parts at an issue but at $100 it makes sense to just try it.

2nd part of this question, should I replace both (preventative). Or do they not fail like that (one soon after another)