You'll find out what's wrong when the mechanic examines the vehicle. You've declared you can't afford to get the car towed to the repair shop so worrying about what might happen is pointless.
No, if the tranny fails completely the car won't blow up under any circumstances and the engine is not going to be damaged unless you're driving as if gun-toting gangsters are chasing you. If the tranny fails, the car will come to a halt, usually without any fuss or drama. If that happens, the car will definitely need towing at a far higher cost than the tow you already can't afford.
But it's unlikely to happen. You've noticed the noise (whatever it is!) and have taken immediate steps to get it fixed.
The noise itself could be due to loads of things, but a tranny fluid leak or old tranny fluid are common causes. Worn bearings and brake bands are also common.
But maintenance and repairs will be ongoing. If you can't afford them you can't afford a car.
If you're really worried about it, have it towed to the mechanic's. If you want advice from someone on here, you need to be more descriptive than "been making a bad noise".
do not have fluid changed till you find out what's wrong with it. Find local shop at ATRA.COM for road test to determine the problem
please someone help me its my first car and i dont have money to get a new trans i like across town from my mechanic and i dont know if it wil make it what happens when it goes out does the engine blow up please i really need so help because if it does go out will putting new fluid and a new cylinder cap make it work again?
