Originally Posted by Streetz

Need to check the operation of the phaser. You can command it to a specific degree with a scan tool. If the phaser doesn't work when being commanded its either the cam phaser solenoid or the phaser. You can check for the pulse width signal from the PCM at solenoid just to make sure they are being commanded.

More the likely the phaser is toasted from the lack of lubricant. They are usually the weakest link in the motor for when the engine is starving.