My wife's 1995 850GLT (non-turbo, auto trans) makes a ticking noise when under load at low rpm. It might do it at higher rpm, but I can't hear it. It is most noticeable pulling up our steep driveway in first gear, very slowly, at 1000 to 1500 rpm. You can hear it clearly with the driver's window down, and less so with the window up. If I switch the tranny to winter mode (3rd gear), it doesn't make the noise. The noise increases with engine rpm. I can't hear it if I hammer it - hard acceleration. If she holds the brake and lightly presses the gas with it in gear, I can hear it under the hood - seems to be deep down in there. Not on top like lifters or injectors. We bought the car used at 47K from original owner. Have shop receipts. Nothing in there. Car now has 98K and I've done nothing to it mechanically other than routine maintenance. I change the oil myself every 3K to 5K. Use Havoline 10W-30.

Any ideas? I haven't taken it to the shop yet. Want to do some research first.

Thanks.

Bob