Any mechanics here? Need help with my 1992 Pontiac Grand AM.

[nx02nx02]

I have a 1992 Pontiac Grand AM 4 cylinder automatic transmission and it isn't running right. I cant afford to take it to a shop so I have to fix it myself and I sure could use some help. I have a little experience here but not alot.

The car is gutless in first gear like it accelerates really slow until about 25-30 MPH then after it gets going 25-30 its fine. It seems like when it changes gears from 1st to second it's fine but I dont really think it's the transmission, (although I could be wrong).

The engine doesn't seem to be running too good when it's at idle, it kind of bogs down and cuts out.

After you get going past 30 mph and it shifts gears you wouldn't even know there was anything wrong with the car but then when you come to a stop again and go it takes about 20 seconds to get going 20 mph.

Any ideas?

 

[Ornery]

1. FINDING & FIXING VACUUM LEAKS

 

[Tylanner]

your building a 125hp vacumm cleaner?

 

[nx02nx02]

Hey thanks for the quick reply and for the link.

So you think it's a vacuum leak? That definitely makes sense.

 

[Ornery]

When it's time to troubleshoot these new computer controlled cars, you start with the easiest and cheapest repairs, and work your way up. You probably should own a Shop Manual and Code Scanner.

Engine vacuum leaks cost almost nothing to fix. From there, I'd perform a normal tune-up, including plugs, wires, filters, and certain sending units, which are cheap and easy to access. Might as well throw some fuel injector cleaner in there. All of that has to be done anyway, so there's no wasted money or time.

After that, you might pay to have it diagnosed. Either that, or start throwing cheaper parts at it, using educated guesses about what the problem might be.

 

[Ornery]

1. ? ?

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Ornery

1. FINDING & FIXING VACUUM LEAKS

i had that very problem with my 2001 neon last week, i was scared to hell the tranny was farked up

cost me under $50 to have it done.

 

[Ornery]

1. ? ?

Any updates would be really appreciated...

 

[Analog]

you didn't indicate the milage or maintenance. I would say its an ignition spark problem. I would check the distributor, coil, wires, spark plugs. If its never been replaced, I would replace ALL of them - '92 is a bit old, espcially for Mr. Goodwrench material (no offence, I drive 100% GM). If this is a distributorless motor, then the I would at least change the wires/plugs.

 

[jEnus]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero
I would say its an ignition spark problem. [\q]

If it was a spark problem, his issues would be occuring throughout the RPM band....and would be more apparent at higher RPMs.

One of my sparks plug wires just went out on my 95 GA, symptons were rough idle through high RPMS, higher gas consumption.

 

[squirrel dog]

Iron duke four banger . Check afore mentioned vacuum leaks , and look at the air filter , spark wires .

 

[Ornery]

1. ? ?

Any updates would be really appreciated...