Troubleshoot by process of elimination. Take the cable loose. Is the cable viable? Does it seem O.K.? Try to work the FD by hand, does it work? With the cable loose or removed from the shifter, does the shifter seem to work (index) or is it slack as you claim. If they really are slack, then there is something amiss in the shifter. Tearing apart the internals of a brifter is a bit much over the internet, (for me anyway).
"what else can i screw up, it already doesnt work"
This is going to be a learning experience for you, you've got to start somewhere.