Brought the car to the dealer for the work, and here's the update.
Two fixes were performed today:
1. The ticket states:
"Found turbo wastegate solenoid making noise. Found no DTCS stored at this time. Found both power and ground tested OK for solenoid. Found turbo waste gate solenoid sticking, making noise. Performed replacement of turbo waste gate solenoid. Recheck = OK".
The replacement part is "55587751 (S) Valve"
2. The ticket states:
"Found intake manifold missing return valve, recommend replacement with updated part as per doc# 4374316. Performed replacement of intake manifold".
The replacement part is 55581014 (S) Manifold
I was told the missing return valve might be what caused the solenoid to malfunction.
The ticking noise is still there when I got home, but seems to be a little quieter. I'll observe it a few more dates and call up the dealer again for follow up if the noise doesn't go away.
I'm really curious about this "return valve" they are talking about. How could it be missing (note not malfunctioning, but missing)? Was it not installed in the factory, or fell into the engine? Can someone help explain to me what it does and how to find it, in case it goes missing again in the future? The service manager didn't sound very authoritative in explaining both items performed above. It was late when I got the car so I didn't question him a lot, thinking I'll just go home and look it up on the web, but didn't find much.
Now onto the warm and fuzzy side of the story.
Technical abilities aside, the Chevy dealer in Davis, CA is top notch when it comes to costumer service. I got shuttled to and from work every time I go in for an oil change (I bring my own oil so they are not making much with the $7 labor charge). The shuttle was running a little behind yesterday and the service manager waited after closing to personally hand me the keys and the job ticket. He also seems to remember me and what car I have, and will throw in a free quick car wash if I ask. One time I asked for a brake measurement (free if you are doing some maintenance work there) thinking I'll just adjust it myself if needed (they charge about $40 for adjustment), since the parking brake lever position seems high and the car makes noise when stopping from slow speed. When I picked up the car I was told the technician just adjusted it form me since he's already half way there doing the measurement. I'm not advertising for them, but they really do go the extra mile. Maybe I'm easily bribed, but I'm really glad I have a dealership near me that actually care about their customers.
Edit: I did find some info regarding the Non Return Valve on the intake manifold.
http://gm.oemdtc.com/2398/possible-...-from-the-exhaust-2011-2014-buick-chevrolet/2
Sounds like if it's missing it could damage the PCV, but I'm not having any vacuum leak on the PCV and the car is not throwing any code. Well at least I got that replaced under warranty. I'll go home tonight and check to make sure the orange part of the non return valve is indeed visible.