Hello people more knowledgeable than myself. I know nothing about cars and i am broke as hell so I come to you all for assistance. I just want to get an idea of what's wrong with my car before I go to the mechanic so i can at least sound not like an idiot.

I have a 2002 Saturn sl2 and honestly, its about 5000 miles past due for an oil change. I'm waiting until I get paid to do thatasap, btw. It drives fine except a little loud which I figure is because it needs that oil change. However, when the automatic transmission shifts into 3rd gear it hesitates and there is a rattling noise. Then it picks up and accelerates again after about 10 seconds and is fine again. This happens at about 40 to 45 mph and there's no vibration or anything. Is it the transmission? What could cause this?

 

Oh and I have put oil in it until I can get a tune up and oil change. Just thought I should mention that.

 

Well, if nothing else, it might be the transmission. Have you checked the oil level in the transmission lately?

 

I think UnclJohn has hit the nail with this one ... I suspect you'll find either a tranny that needs flushing and new fluid, or worse, one that is low on fluid to boot. I'm suprised you're not getting tranny codes from the computer .....