So - I thought - check & clean the dephaser solenoid valve as it sounds a simple (and safe?) operation - nothing to lose - often quoted as a source of such problems? After all, I've changed cam belts before, how difficult could a little solenoid be?
So, opened up the bonnet, engine cover off, found solenoid (next to 1st coil on cam belt end of engine), removed solenoid cable connector & single bolt securing the solenoid - and pulled & pulled & pulled!
It won't shift! Don't really want to use anything other than my hands as I don't want to break it! Daft! How to extract it safely! (& what to check when it is out i.e. clean filter mesh?)