I'd triple/quadruple check all your intake connections prior to looking at anything else.

If you had an 07/08 you might have something to worry about, but it's an 05. So, I highly doubt you have the rear timing case problem.

Check your oil level again.

After you verify there are no leaks take the VTC solenoid out, clean it, and you can even test it by hooking it up shortly to a battery. It should have a plunger open in and out. It's located on the top front of the engine with three or four 10MM bolts holding it on.
Component Inspection

INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE
Disconnect intake valve timing control solenoid valve harness connector.


Check resistance between intake valve timing control solenoid valve as follows. If NG, replace intake valve timing control solenoid valve.
If OK, go to next step.

Remove intake valve timing control solenoid valve.


Provide 12 V DC between intake valve timing control solenoid valve terminals and then interrupt it. Make sure that the plunger moves as shown in the figure.
CAUTION: Do not apply 12 V DC continuously for 5 seconds or more. Doing so may result in damage to the coil in intake valve timing control solenoid valve.
If NG, replace intake valve timing control solenoid valve.

NOTE: Always replace O-ring when intake valve timing control solenoid valve is removed.

If that tests out okay, I'd say maybe it's your camshaft sensor. Being the car is 10 years old they can go out randomly or start acting up.

I highly doubt it's your timing chain or camshaft, since I think you'd have problems all around and not just when idling.

 

 

You're sure you tightened the oil cooler back down to spec after replacing the o-ring right?

 

Yeah tightened it down to spec. I bought a torque wrench just for that. Took a look at the oil level (did it early this morning without firing up the car first mainly because I can never get an accurate reading when it's warm, oil all over the stick) and got a good reading. It was right in between L and H more towards the H. I'm going to first retrace my steps and look over everything from when I worked on it last. Do as you suggested, triple check every connection and bolts, see if everything is okay. I'll remove the battery to get rid of the SES drive it around and see if it pops up. If it does then I'll go ahead and clean the IVT solenoid.

Should I replace the camshaft sensor in bank 1 for the heck of it? And how about the crankshaft, does that need replacing? Or just the camshaft.

I really appreciate your help, and everyone elses also. Gaining a lot of knowledge off of this!

 

def double check all connections that you took apart or got close to. be sure to looks for any exposed wires or damaged wires. make sure all your intake piping is tight and doesnt have any leaks or tears.

 

Quick update, spent all night last night checking everything. Took out the intake tube, checked all the connections underneath them. I got my spark plugs yesterday also so I went ahead and changed all the plugs. Pain in the *** but got it done. Put the intake tube back in, I noticed that at the end where it goes to the throttle body, it was pinched in a little, maybe that caused the vacuum leak? I straightened it out and put it back in place. Plugged the sensor back into the intake/filter and all went well. Looked underneath, no leak as of yet (which is great news) and all the connections looked fine. Plugged the battery back, turned on the car and turned on with ease. No SES light (removed due to removing the battery but still). No hiccups, no sputtering, no jerkiness. Smooth. Drove a little this morning and it looks good so far! I think i may have figured it out.

 

Thanks for the update and glad it was a simple fix

 

You are aware that the oil capacity with filter is 5.2 qts and not just 5 quarts

Telcoman

 

Well when I checked the owners manual, it says 5 quarts with oil filter change, 4 5/8 without oil filter change. I believe it was 4 5/8.

 

Yup here it is from the manual.

 

I've been dumping 5 in for years without an issue.

In fact, due to my oil consumption, I've probably driven around plenty on 4.

 

Yeah that's why I wasn't too concerned if I put like .2 or .3 quarts too much. Oil consumption cancels it out