1993 Grand Am SE 3300

I am not sure where to go about checking things on this motor. When driving, it will BARELY want to move, chugging along in 1k RPM jumps. it idles bad, and has a loud ticking. I unplugged the fuel injector connectors while running and could barely notice a change on any of the cylinders. there is no check engine light on. where do I start?

the plugs and wires are not that old, maybe 1 year? I did them myself. I'm thinking possible fuel pump?

here is a video of how it runs right now

This is funny only because I can relate...

We had a 92 Cutlass Ciera with the 3300. We used to call that car the Gutless because it had no nuts. It got worse and worse over time...

Ended up being a clogged fuel filter. How old is the one on that car? For $7, that'* where I'd start.

fuel filter is probably original for all i know...

that sounds like a good starting point, makes sense

thanks Mark!

wow Mark, the fuel filter changed things a complete 180.. it idles perfect now..

however, it is still having problems getting moving. I am pretty sure the trans is on the way out, it isnt changing gears at the right time, and if I floor it in first it takes a good 5 seconds to get to 20 mph... but it revs in idle just fine.

the engine runs fine.

I'm not sure that I wanna do the trans fluid job, as its not my car...

is there anything else I could check before I do it?

TV adjustment (probably worth a shot) -

(WITH THE CAR OFF) -

1. Depress and and hold down the metal readjusting tab at the engine end of the TV cable.

2. While holding the tab in, move the slider until it stops against the fitting.

3. Release the adjustment tab.

4. Rotate the throttle lever to the maximum stop position (WOT). The cable will ratchet through the slider and will automatically readjust itself.

5. You are done! Test drive and see if it fixed it.

For anyone that doesn't know, the TV cable controls the transmission'* line pressure, and also the feel of the shifts and timing, also downshifts.

when I first went out there to look for the TV cable.. i found this connector on the front of the trans unplugged.. i was like WTF.. this should fix it

DSC08323.jpg

plugged it in,, nothing different

so then I did the TV cable.. and there it is after the adjustment
DSC08325.jpg

still nothing

when I put it in gear with the parking brake.. i can hear a not so good noise coming from the trans, right about where the TC would be.. :?

actually it is better.. kinda...

I took it out on the highway instead of my residential roads.. it does not wanna seem to shift right only if at WOT.. if I keep it at 50% throttle it seems ok...

however, it does not have near the power it should off the line...

what would happen if I run with the TV cable all the way back, and not put it at WOT to set it.. does that increase or decrease the pressure?