saturn L300

What are symptoms of transmission problems?

When I put my car into reverse I hear a clunk occasionally (two or three
times a week) Also, when trying to go up a hill, particularly from a stop,
the car just sits when I step on the accelerator. I may even slide
backwards a little. Finally, I periodically have a tremendous grinding
sound underneath the car, and it sounds like I'm sending signals to Shamus
or Flipper from underneath my car. I almost forgot; I have driven for
several miles with a thunking sound coming from underneatn. Could these be
symptoms of a faling transmission?

 

Have you checked your automatic transmission fluid level?

 

By the time it is making noises, it most likely needs a rebuild. Sometimes
you get lucky and it is only a engine mount or half-shaft but that wouldn't
account for the failure to move on a hill. Get to a transmission shop and
have it checked. Prepare yourself for a $1200 (minimum) bill.
It is damn hard to check the fluid level on the L300 as there is no dipstick
and you can't see the fluid when you do manage to remove the red cap.
Service manual says to check fluid level, there is a plug on the side which
can be removed and the fluid should just be up to that level... nice-eh?
Fluid should be good for 100k miles (so they say at least). I am a
believer in changing the fluid and filter at least every 35K miles.

 

Thanks. My brother tried to help me check the fluid via the phone, but I
discovered there was no dipstick. I guess I will take it to shop to check.
Thank you for your input. Sandy

 

How many miles does the car have on it? I would definitely get a fluid
change if it's never been done and if you're over 40k, or so.