Possible answer to my own question. What happens when a cam phaser goes bad in an engine? "First of all some readers might not know what a camshaft phaser is. It’s not a weapon used by the new branch of the military, the United States Space Force. It’s a hydraulically operated sprocket attached to the camshaft that is adjusted by the engine control module to time the rotation of the camshaft and opening and closing of valves to the up and down motion of the pistons.

Now that we know this, generally what happens the engine control module tries to lock the part so the engine is not damaged. The check engine light illuminates and probably will blink indicating a major issue in the engine. It will also place the engine in limp mode reducing engine power and RPMs to help reduce potential damage. Limp mode should allow a vehicle operator an opportunity to reach a place of safety at slow speed where the vehicle can be towed to a shop for repair." -Phil Arendt. - I will try the variable timing solenoid things located on the top of the manifold, on the passenger side first and I'll comment again with results.

Eager for an update on this. 🙂

Can't get the part until Tuesday. I will check the fluid levels again and make car noises while I pretend to drive it for now. I will post back Tuesday after testing it.

My part didn't come in yet. I believe Scotty on the poor gm quality but with nothing else wrong with the car it's hard to just have it towed off. I took the time to install a transmission cooler to see if that helps but I wont test drive it until that part is installed.

final post. The car runs fine now with the new variable timing solenoid. No more "limp mode"