2002 Spectral Problems or Not?

[runesong]

Hi guys & gals,

Is this "sound" familiar? My girlfriend bought a 2002 Spectra with 13k a year ago and everything's been fine except this sound we started hearing originally between 1st thru 3rd gears... was a humming that increased in intensity as the car moved, moreso when you stepped on the gas.

She brought it the nearest dealership and they were baffled. They made an adjustment to the "heat shield;" it was apparently "rubbing up against the muffler". Thing is, it started making the sound again - this time WORSE - on the her home. We live 76 miles away from said dealer and she's made an appt to go back there tomorrow morning.

Any idears?

Here's another weird problem - here stock radio gets really HOT. I mean, literally, hot to the touch. Can anyone think of what may be causing that too? Last time she dropped the car off and they didn't get around to it, i.e., the radio chilled out. She has to get up early tomorrow to bring the car in, and drive the 76miles; it'll be "warmed up" by then.

Any idears on that?

Thanx,

alXtc

[cbeck]

The radio getting hot is normal as far as I know... anything ever turn up on the humming/buzzing?