No Speed!!!!!!!

[silywabit]

Does anyone know why my Grand Am won't go over 3000 RPM? I think the cat convertor is bad...if I try to go fast, it sounds like the brakes are stuck, it want's to go but it won't! :mad:

[sudden_impulse]

Are the brakes sticking at all? Drive for a little while, then pull over and carefully feel all 4 wheels. Is one hotter than any others? If it is, the brake is sticking. Be very careful not to burn yourself, the wheels get hot without brakes sticking.

[OneFstGt]

Is the SES light on or Any Bad Smell? I had a nissan pathfinder that would hardly go one time and the trans over drive went out and caused damage internally and it would not go over a certain rpm. I hope this is not your problem. Just trying to help.

[rixGAphx]

3000 limitation is NOT a 'clogged cat'.
A clogged cat affects low rpm and idle badly, and limits top-end (5000+).
But at mid-range, say 2000-4500, there is enough engine exhaust pressure to 'power-thru' even a badly-clogged cat.

More likely, your air filter is very dirty, or similarly the fuel filter.
If air filter, it just can't flow enough air for 3001 rpm, but it does fine at idle where suction/vac is strongest.
The fuel pump always pumps at about 65 psi, and this pressure and volume are fine at idle; all the way up to 3000, when it just can't push enough thru.

Might also be a faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator, which is supposed to increase the fuel pressure from about 36 psi (idle, and low rpm) to about 45 psi for increased rpm's.
But you *should* get about 4000-5000 rpm even if the pressure stays low, so I would leave it for now.

I would first check the air filter, and just change the fuel filter since it's regular maintenance, only costs about $13, and only takes 15 minutes.

Good luck,
-Rick

PS: A solid blockage of the intake, like a mouse nest, or of the exhaust, like a a MAJOR ding in the exhaust pipe (road hazard) or potato (vandalism), will also cause your symptoms.