error codes

[ls1360]

I have a 2001 Pontaic Grand Am, the engine does not seem to have much power. I have taken it to 2 different mechanics. One said it was the transmission, Aamco said it was not, but it was the engine. They gave me the following codes: PO 300, PO 404, PO440. What would be the most cost efficient way to fix this, and can I do it myself? Any help would be great. Thanks

[red98grandamse]

which engine 2.4 or 3.4?

[ls1360]

6 cylinder 3.4

[rixGAphx]

These are your codesP0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Range/Performance
P0440 Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
from http://www.obdii.com/codes.html

Forget the tranny for now, since those are all engine codes.

Frankly, it seems like you may simply have a loose vacuum line.
This could easily cause all thosecodes plus your description of "...the engine does not seem to have much power."

Get a can of Winter Starting Fluid, about $3 at Kmart or such.
Warm up the engine. Prop the hood open.
Start the engine.
Be CAREFUL of the spinning fan and belt and pulleys!!!
Spray some fluid around the vac tubing, and the things to which the tubing connects.
If there's a leak, the spray will be sucked-in, and the rpm of the engine will rise noticably.

There's a vac motor under the throttle body, connected somehow I think to the tranny.
That would associate these engine codes with tranny performance.

Hope this helps.
-Rick