This evening, all of a sudden my 4 cyl, 2000 Camry started making a strange noise as I was driving along normally. The sound was similar to that of a box fan with a piece of paper stuck into it, and sort of sounded like a rattling noise.

I noticed that when I stopped the car and turned off the engine, I could hear the sound of fluid draining out from underneath the car into a pool. It was too thin and viscous to be oil, but it was dark in color. However, this occurred this evening in the dark, so I could not determine the exact color.

The noise continued whether the car was actually moving or not. It sounded as though it came from the left side when facing the car from the front. I had the oil changed at a Jiffy Lube about a month ago, and so I believe they checked all fluids at that point.

I am probably going to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic in the morning, but I'd love to hear if you guys have any advice on what might be wrong as well so that I can be well-informed.

You will know by what fluid is low now,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

What would explain the rattling noise? The rattling seems to have happened before the fluid drained.

I can only be a wild guess but the transmission could noises, power steering could make noises and anything that spins with the belt and you might have coolant leaking. Look - see - some fluid level will be low.

You said you couldn't see it and you are there. I'm here so that's a double disadvantage!!

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/