High RPM / Low speed gain / Engine-Shifting issues?

Your transmission is probably okay. Sounds like the ECU has put you into "limp" mode. Did you get a check engine light at any time in the recent past? In "limp" mode the car will refuse to accelerate, will top out at about 50 mph and will not go past 3rd gear, leaving you at a high RPM. This is to protect the engine against mechanical damage. Check the OBD for trouble codes. If you don't have a reader, get the car to Pep Boys or AutoZone. Believe it or not, a bad injector CAN put the car in limp mode if emissions go off the chart.

my 04 grand am did this as well no matter how much i pressed on the gas and rpms would shoot up it would tug along my problem was the catalytic converter...

I am have the same problem 2001 grand am what was the problem

I am having the same exact problem please help I have been trying to fix this for awile now. What would be the best first step be?

I have a 2001 Pontiac grand am GT v6

I have the same problem with my Pontiac Grand Gt v6 but also noticed that the temp gage is going up as well when the rpms kick up

Pretty sure its the file pump, I'm in the process of changing it now. The reason it dose that when pushing gas pedal down is that it isn't sending enough gas to motor. Check the gas pressure. I think it should be in the 60s I will keep you posted as I get it done.

Vacuum leak. Check all hoses for cracks or holes. It will make the brakes screw up as well.

Every time I power shift my em2 my RPM goes to about 6-7k and stays there for a while untill I shift again the rpms bearly start going down really slowly..Why does it do this? Is my clutch slipping?

When I'm in higher gears it is fine but going from 0-45 it doesn't change gears till the rpm reaches at least 3000? Any anwers?

I have a 2001 grand am se. An it is doing the same thing as urs but not going over 40 mph. I had it on a computer an it says multiple misfire. I changed the plugs an it's still running the same except it starts up better now. That's it. It's burning a lot of gas I just have no idea what it could b. It's not my catalytic converter becuz there's pressure coming out of the tail pipe. I put injector cleaner in a rand full of premium gas an still no change. So I am at a stand still on what it may be :-( can anyone help ?

Had the same problem with a couple cars and everyone kept saying it was a cat! But it the MAF (mass air flow sensor) is dirty and buying a new one is the best way to go because I have had no luck cleaning them and having them work properly. Your all welcome!

I am having the same problem with me 2002 Pontiac grand am gt. Anyone know what could be causing it?

If code doesn't read don't dispair pull ur censors first many time they can malfunction without sending code airflow ,evap and the like if that doesn't seem to be the problem check pressure changing fuel pump if original is probably suggested at this point any way finally if that isn't working take it to a real transmission specialist not a parts changer have fun love my 04 Grand Am GT

I have a cavalier when I'm driving the rpm goes up and it doesnt pull Like it's supposed to and it's a 5speed

My 2000 chevy camaro is doing the exact same thing. It has problems with shifting from 1-2 2-3 3-4. I and lucky if i can get it to 65 but doesnt go any faster i also got to maintain that speed for car not to start back at first 3 gears. Ive changed the plugs wires air filter tranny filter pcv valve oil change tranny flush. Its been giving.me problems.for.about a week already. Today check.engine light came.on. Im so upset

What was the answer to your problem Joshua? I am having the same issue...

Check your Cadillac converter its probably clogged. Thats what my problem was.

How did you check to see if it was clogged?

I had the same exact problem in issues in my 2002 Chevy Malibu as of recently. I finally cornered it to a clogged catalytic converter noticing that I had a split in the flex tubing from my exhaust pipe to my EGR valve it was a dead ringer but I have the same exact symptoms as you hope this helps.

2001 Mitsubishi eclipse 5 speed Same exact problem I need to shift to 4th gear and then back down to 2nd to get it even running like it should be. Anyone know what it can be.

Only time i have this is between 30-40mph where i get a sluggish acceleration. It goes up but it's really slow. I seem to have this problem when the RPMs are around 2,200-3,000. I never had a problem at 5,000RPMs or higher.

Hey can anyone tell me what wrong with my car it drivin itself when I put it in drive it takes off and goes 40 mph byl itself without me giving it any gas at all

My 04 is accelerating fine but when u r on cruise and hit a hill it loses speed and pedal goes to floor. If I let off and nail it it takes off like a rocket, no stumble or anything. Just noticed if I take off real slow from dead stop and slowly push the accelerator to the floor it goes no where also, let off punch it and away it goes. Must be my TPS not sending the correct signal when baying it

i have 2000 Chevy Silverado runs fine slips at 25 to 35 mph i have to rev it up to about 3200 rpm and let it drop to get it to shift, it wont shift past that and the rpms go up from there 50 mph stays at 3000 rpms 60 mph goes to 4000 rpms please help

I would like to no what is the cause of my rpm going up and does not want to go down

Hey everyone. The first thing i would check is your Cadillac converter there's a good chance the insides have fallen apart and clogged your air flow. This was the problem with my Pontiac Grand Am Gt it was not the fule pump. Sorry for not updating this sooner. Good luck everyone

I had the same problem with my 2003 grand am v6 3.4 liter. The rpms would just go really high and not move very fast. After a while it stops completely. Luckily, I made it into my driveway. You can start it up and push the gas pedal as much as you want but it wont move. The rpms will go up though.

Would it be the transmission or catylitic converter or something else entirely? Please help, it has been sitting in my driveway for months until I figure this out. All help is appreciated, thanks.

I had approximately the same problem and finally solved Slow acceleration ( when you press on the gas pedal the rpm rise but acceleration is very slow ) The problem was a small crack in the pipe which connected from air filter to machine and this makes air leak. change the pipe and now big difference in acceleration. So, before changing any part first check all air pipes. I got this solution after changed many pieces such as air filter and oil filter .... but It did not make any difference.

papasmurf74: did u get an answer? I am also having the same issue as yours.

adamwoodard0725. Have you been able to find an answer to your car issua? I am asking cus mine did the same thing. Have had the same issues although I was able to get it move slowly from my back yard to the shop a block away by putting it in N raising rpm to about 3-3.5 and manually shift it up to 2nd gear and leaving it there when I tried shifting to 3rd rpm jumped and me car shut off . The diagnostic scan came back with 6 codes. Most being sensers that the mechanic said eventually led to the cause of the other codes. They are supposed to start working on it Monday. If you have figured out a fix to your car issue that was different I would be very gracious to hear what it was. Iam not to sure on believing that after all my car issues and stress that the $120 in parts is all that it needs. If it does then I would be glad to share a list of parts changed and other labors they had to do to it, but in case it doesn't fix it is love an idea on what to do next.

Ignition control module

what would it be when a 2008 Chevy colbot runs but wont go over 40 mph and then the rpms jump up to about 4000 and I let off the gas and then the rpms go down

I have a Pontiac vibe 03 in the rpm move in the acceleration doesn’t what do you think it is thanks

If you all still wants to know what the problem is to your Pontiac you can reach me at junebug1068@gmail.com I am a professional mechanic all answers will be sent to all thanks

@guru I just emailed you about 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix! It’s resting when started at 3000 rpms and smells like gas! I need help

Am I the only one who has this same exact issue as the original poster. High RPM / Low speed gain / Engine-Shifting but no overheating, Hard to keep speed uphills, and reading codes for Catalytic, Crankshaft and Camshaft? We have so far done a tune up, and oil change just basic things in my yard. I'm trying to avoid a shop at all costs since it still cranks and drives. I have checked for a glow underneath my car to indicate a clog. Air flow is consistent from my exhaust so I dont think there is a clog. But I must note that sometimes when gaining speed or keeping speed best I can there is this sound underneath me (from my understanding the catalytic area) sounds like a piece of broken glass raddles. Ugh any idea or next step suggestions is very helpful.

@Kayliegh If a piece of the inside of your cat breaks loose it heats up and begins to pop around and can cause a clog, you will lose pressure if that happens STOP ACCELERATING. Or possibly a misfire, but sounds like you checked your wires and what not

I have a 2000 pontiac grand am gt and I was having problems getting my car to get up power to go once I was stopped but then car was smoking and I finally made it home now my car will not move I believe transmission went out if anyone knows anything plz let me know the rpms were going really high to it got worse over time though it went from only doing that for a couple mins to continuing it I tried trans fluid but has no dip stick and still didnt wrk if anyone can plz help I'd greatly appreciate it

So I've been having the same issue as all of you with my Pontiac 2000 Grand Am GT sedan 3.4 l I'm having power delivery issues but RPMs rising in the roof. I then went underneath my car as I'm sure all of you have the same problems with oil gasket pan leak, you're all getting O2 sensor readings and pulling those type of codes. And just keep throwing Parts at at mass air flow sensor EGR spark plugs and wires O2 sensors mass air flow sensor throttle body cleaning I've done all what you all done but I think I finally found the solution to all of our issues that we are having. So I got tired for my struts my tire rods ball joints and oil and whatnot build-up underneath. So I went out to a car wash power wash the hole underneath the vehicle to see every sensor every problem and I accidentally cracked this housing and I ripped it apart and what I found was this stop spending your money on cabs for gas cabs oil calves O2 sensors and such.

Please explain the solution to the problem u found.after power washing the underneath.what did u crack.I am not a mechanic and don't recognize what in the picture trying to show.I have had my car to three differant mechanics.they all have claimed after several hundred dollars paid out they fixed it.NO they didnt.and just tell me sorry it must be this or that now that what ever they charged me for needed fixed.who am I to argue I am a woman and far from mechanic.tired of them taking my money thinking I am stupid.it's a 2000 firebird V 6.great running car until this.now one telling me it's transmision.I don't believe it is.just want some bigger money.theone I have paid out this past year. In this car could of bought me a couple cars.I need help so I can have knowledge not to be screwed over with there mechanic talk.I know there's good mechanics out there just seems they greedy ones live in my area.not all.but I don't know one from the other.and when report it.they cover it up with the car needed the part to make it work to dignose the problem.bla bla bla Please HELP!!!!!!!

Check your tps...

I have the issue high rpms on my Grand am wont change gears stays in first gear. It isnt stiff to put it in gear the transmission itself is fine but it Refuses to go from first to second gear. Im told its the Selinoid or transmission speed sensor im gonna order one because its 10$ and swap it out I will let you know.

Speed sensor ordered im going to change that first as the Speedometer also stopped working. Im told without this the ECU wont know when to change gears. If that doesnt work then i will try the Selinoid and a filter and fluid change at same time...The reason for holding off on doing the Selinoid is because it is labor intensive you have to unbolt the motor mount and remove the transmission pan and push the motor up a little to get the old one out and put a new one in. If your are going to drop the pan you might as well change the filter. Im hopeful that its just the Speed sensor a 10$ part easy to change.