strange (probably transmission) problem
 

I've got a bit of a problem with an automatic 1990 protege,hope someone has an idea what's wrong with it.

Let me list the symptoms ,because there are quite a few:

Strange ,groaning modulating noise coming it seems like from front passanger side close to the windsheald ( almost like it's inside the cabin). It comes on at acceleration mostly(sometimes not) during low speeds(idling to about 25 )stays on chainging in pitch for 3 to 15 seconds and then goes away by itself . Doesn't seem like it's coming from underneath(transmission). It also dissapears when you press on the brake or accelerate over 30 .It seems to show up more often when the car is not warmed yet, as well as,when turning.When I switched from drive into neutral noise went away .
I found transmition fluid low a few days ago(there was a small leak which I am yet to find) and filled it -probably a touch too much .Now there are a few air bubbles on the dipstic (I figure from overfilling) .The fluid is also darker than it should be.
Hold sign blinks off and on every 30 or so seconds but it was that way since my sister bought the thing.

With all these problems you would expect there to be some sort of problems driving yet there are none to be seen.

I figure it's transmission acting up - question is what can I do (besides putting a new transmition in) and how long have I got untill it goes out.

Thanks ,Bess.

ouch....I would take it somewhere and have them take the pan off to check the oil pump and do a flush before you loose that tranny.

Try and get a shop to read the code for you, and have them give their interpretation of the problem. They may be able to fix a piece.

THanks for answering , guys . Gonna do a transmission flash ,filter change and add some antileak fluid as well as find the leak that 's draining the fluid. Probably a good
idea.Anyone knows how to check the transmission fluid pump? As far as taking it to the shop --I'm a very stubborn person and that's kind of like giving up --not going to happen .
If anyone 's got any other ideas I would appreciate it.
Thanks,Bess.

well, if it's not sensible that you're going for, go to the junkyard and swap out your vaf and your air intake tube.. also give your car a tune up (plugs, wires, rotor and disty), fuel filter, o2 sensor, and check your car's timing as well with a timing light.
peace