2004 Sunfire grinds when stopped in gear

[atxmatt2510]

Hey guys, im having an issue with my Sunfire, and trying to be a little proactive here. Basically when I am stopping at a light, i will hear a grinding noise which appears to be coming from the transmission. It only seems to really happen when stopped in gear or accelerating in first gear.
I have a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2 Ecotec, Automatic 3-speed, I believe.

Any help is appreciated. Also, im pretty car-saavy, just never really did any transmission work.

 

[melsg5]

Have you had the fluid level checked? When is the last time you had the filter and fluid changed in the trani? Are you sure it's not the brakes?

 

[atxmatt2510]

I haven't had the fluid level checked but that is probably a good idea, considering I changed a CV axle not too long ago and lost some. I do know its not the brakes though, because it grinds when I'm stopped. I've never done a filter replacement. Would it be a good idea with 125k miles?

 

[melsg5]

I changed my trani fluid and filter at 70K miles with a recommended of 100k miles.

______________________________

 

[atxmatt2510]

I'll ask around. I've heard its a bad idea to do. But thanks, I'm hoping its just the fluid level, though I never smell any burning.

 

[msmith1956]

Fluid and filter change is highly recommended with 125k on the clock.

 

[Zimgxp]

Just change it. Don't have it flushed.