01 Toyota vvti problems

I have a 2001 carolla that has a trouble code vvti circuit malfunction the car is real slow accelerating and surges. I have cleaned the oil control valve screen with no avail tested the vvti actuator to the best of my ability. Anyone mess with the vvti system before can I change the actuator without pulling the timing chain cover and timing chain off. Any help will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.