I've posted a few times already about a low moaning sound that is coming from the drivers side of the engine bay but haven't had much luck. I am suspecting it is the transmission (auto) because it starts when I put the car in reverse just after a cold start.

I think the tranny fluid might be low but can't really tell because the dipstick when pulled out will have a very thin line of oil up a couple of inches on the dipstick but it is nearly invisible. At the tip of the dipstick there is the normal drop that you would normally see say on the engine dipstick. So is it over filled or under filled? Any of you guys have a good trick to make measuring the oil a little easier?

Also if the transmission is low on oil would it make a low moaning sound? It shifts perfectly normal.

My only other idea is it is a bearing going out but I don't know what type of bearing would be on that side of the engine compartment, any ideas?

 

are u measuring the tranny fluid lever AFTER the engine and tranny have warmed up? your symptoms with the dipstick sound like you're checking with the engine cold or maybe switched off...ofcourse this is just a guess.

sorry dont know why u have that moan.

 

Yes I have been measuring it after the engine is warmed up.

 

pull it out, wipe it completely clean..
stick it back in a few a couple of seconds.. then pull it out and immediately turn it horizontal, so the stuff won't move on the dipstick. you'll then be able to take your time and look closely to find where the fluid level is.

 

The tranny should be warmed up - 10-20mins city driving. Do not check after highway driving. Stop the car, leave it running. Shift the tranny through all the drive ranges - p-r-d-3-2-1 or whatever your range is and go back up, ending in park. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off, stick it back in, wait a sec, pull it out and check the level. There should be a hot and cold mark on the dipstick, based on the temperature of the fluid. Your owner's manual details how to check the fluid properly.