Mechanic refused to do oil change on my 1993 cavalier because he said there were "metal shavings in oil"

metal in the oil indicates a mechanical failure and will require a pull down to fix

pull the pan off the transmission and check for mechanical failure as the metallic shavings are from something like a failing torque converter or bearings /shafts or oil pumps.

metal flakes on the dip stick are not really an issue unless it has gotten to the crank sensor. That would cause the problem that you are talking about. The oil filter is supposed to catch that though.

• Changing the fluid on this is fairly easy.

1. Pull the fill plug.
2. Use a manual pump to evacuate the old fluid.
3. Fill the rear pumpkin until the 75W - 90 synthetic gear lube just barely seeps out the fill hole.
4. Wipe any metal shavings off the fill plug.
5. Insert the fill plug in the hole and snug it up, not to tight, just nice and snug.

• Hope this helps.

I think they are taking you for a ride. The differentials should be check every year, but only to add oil. Yes some can die early, but there are differentials out on the road that are 40,50 years old and still running fine. I suggest you find another garage to go to, and next time some one says metal shaving, tell them to let you see and go to the vehicle and have them get some out for you. And if there were shavings, which I have seen, there would also be noise coming from the deferential, a low hum to clanking. To let you know shavings are metal slivers and not the normal wear that looks like gray mud.
Randy

Hello;
It sounds as though your trans is going out. How is reverse? If reverse is real strong then you may just have a solenoid going out. Drop the pan and change the oil and filter if you are comfortable doing that. Inspect the pan for metal shavings and contaminents. Otherwise it would need to go to a shop for repair.
Thanks;
Rich
RPM Northwest

it means the motor is worn out and isnt going to last for very long.its all part of the gears in the motor thats what the metal shavings are from

i think you have metal shavings on the abs wheel sensor. did you go metal to metal on the brakes? new caliper right? disconect the battery for 10 mins that should do it. first clean that sensor off it might reset itself good luck

I have a 93 MB 2.6 190E . went to junkyard, got same tranny, spent 500 bucks to replace. Drives fine. No metal shavings on mine either but changed tranny, ok.

Hi!
Base on the information gaven it seems that your forward clutch pack is worn,thats the reason you have seen that metal shaving in the transmission pan.So get your transmission repair.