dep82

I have a 98 cavalier, 2.2L, automatic

I have 3 problems:

1) When the car is first put into drive, I get a loud rattle, but only when Im on the brakes. This continues to happen for the first couple of times I stop until the car warms up a little bit. After about 5 minutes of driving or so, the problem disappears. This only happens while im in drive, and only when im stopped, and only when the engine is cool. If I start up while the engine is still warm, I have no problems. If I put it into neutral while stopped, no rattle (my current solution)

2) When I shift into drive, it usually is accompanied by a bang. thats the only gear I have a problem with, as there is no noise and it goes nice and smooth into reverse, neutral, etc. I checked the tranny fluid and the level is fine, but somewhat brown. I was thinking of flushing it, but im not sure if that would solve this problem.

3) When I first step on the gas (off of every stop, most of the time im driving), I get a noise. Its hard to categorize the noise, but kind of like a low rumble, then it stops when i pick up some speed. A friend of mine said it could possibly be the CV joint, but im just curious as to what other causes could be (not that this description is that good )

Any input would be greatly appreciated, especially on #1

smilenpsyco

For number 1 and 2, when was the last time the transmission fluid was checked or changed? Is the appearance or disappearance of noise in 3 associated with a speed or an RPM?

dep82

I recently got the car (about a month or 2 ago). I knew the previous owner, and to my knowedge the fluid has never been changed. I was planning on changing it anyway, as it is brownish.

As far as 3, I dont think its a speed, so I would have to say low rpms..its an automatic, so theres no tach on the car, so i cant give you a number. 1-2k range though if i had to guess, but only in first

smilenpsyco

I would get the transmission fluid changed and see if that helps. It may just be low or degraded and that is causing the problems.

dep82

so I changed the trans fluid and filter, along with the spark plugs and wires. All of the problems still happen, although 1 and 2 to a lesser degree. any thoughts?