Engine noise

2008 SATURN AURA
115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREW HESS
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  • 2 POSTS
It is usually a quiet car but has become very loud. After accellerating some it starts to sound like a remote control plane. It just sounds like it's straining. It does not do it in idle and there are no check engine lights on. The car seems to run ok. The rooms were 3(1000?) Or under on my trip with speeds up to 75 mph+. I am not sure what to think. I would appreciate input. I am on my boyfriend's Facebook page. He says it seems to be going through the gears. I am worried it is not. Thanks.
Mar 29, 2017 at 10:53 PM
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STEVE W.
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That engine is going to be a buzzy little beast at 3K. But it does not produce peak torque until over 4,000 rpm. I would say 3,000 at 75 mph is probably about right.

Noise wise, you could have a small exhaust leak or a heat shield that rattles or a number of other things. If it concerns you take it to a shop and have them take a listen. As for shifting, go out on the highway and slowly accelerate and count the shifts. That is a 4 speed trans so you should hear/feel 4 "shifts" 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4th converter lock up. I suspect it's fine though.

GM extended the warranty on that transmission to 10 years 120,000 miles because of the shifter cable issues. Then recalled them to replace the cable.
Mar 30, 2017 at 1:56 AM
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ANDREW HESS
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Ok. Thank you. I was so afraid of transmission problems. I definitely have a place to start. Thanks again
Mar 30, 2017 at 4:33 AM
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STEVE W.
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  • 15,113 POSTS
You are very welcome.

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Mar 30, 2017 at 8:17 AM