My son''s 2003 Ion has developed a dry gear-type of sound when acceleration gets to about 30+. Can''t feel if automatic transmission is going into drive. Also, can''t find any type of dipstick. A previous post was told to check the owners manual but the owners manual has nothing nor says anything about a dipstick location. It indicates the car should be fine unless it''s leaking fluid and then should be taken to the Saturn dealer. Can''t afford the Saturn dealer. Help.

After a much closer look, we''ve determined the noise is in the driver''s side wheel area. Does not seem to be a wheel bearing or anything normal that would make the grinding sound. No computer messages show. No affect on driving. Sounds as if something is dry but nothing feels heated after we drive it. Still looking.

Well, first off, a grinding sound in or aroundthe wheel area is not normal (but of course, you realize that). I had to replace a wheel bearing while on a road trip, and other than a grinding sound, I could not find any other indicators either. Off chance, it might be the tattletale in the disk brake pads indicating it is time toservice the brake system