My 2004se has had this issue since owning it. 5 years driving it this way. Just replaced the variable valve timing solenoids, and the problem is fixed. It also lessened the heavy misfire it had been having.

NOW... If anyone has advice as to why the thermostat and coolant temp sensor didn't fix my overheating problem, and didn't completely fix the misfire, I'd love to hear it. 240k miles, and I'm unaware if timing chains have ever been replaced. No solid indication of head gasket leak, but no knowledge of them ever being replaced either. She's been run a couple quarts of oil low several times, up to 3.5q once.

She's going to the shop tomorrow for an "I'm not liable for f#@%ups" fix, but I like feedback, and want to know everything I can to get this girl to a half mil miles. Runs smooth, just overheats and misfires a bit when she gets warm.