The whining is most likely caused by the gear teeth meshing on the back
side.I would`nt worry about it.
Your other problem is probably caused by the throttle lever shaft( at the
transmission end) sticking in or on top of the selector shaft and pulling
the selector shaft around with it.. Both are located under the battery. A
cable connects the throttle lever shaft between the transmission and the
throttle linkage.The shaft (approx 5/16 inch diameter) protrudes through
the selector shaft.It is supported by an e clip in a groove sitting on a
washer.There is also an oil seal under the washer.I had a problem with a
corroded washer causing the shaft to stick.You can check the freedom of
operation of the shaft by rotating its lever counterclockwise and
releasing it: It should rotate easily and spring back when
released.Lubricate the bottom of the shaft around the washer with
transmission fluid.Be careful if you have to remove the e clip and washer(
after removing the lever) because the shaft will drop into the
transmission if you release it. Good luck. Chris Szilagyi wrote:

> Hello,
> I've been trying to find some more information in these groups on a
> potential problem with my '98 Neon Highline (4 cyl, DOHC). Recently
> about a year ago, the transmission started to make a "whining" noise
> when put into reverse, both hot and cold (right away or with engine
> warmed up). Putting the transmission in D and other gears is fine. I
> changed the trans fluid & filter at around 50K miles, and it is still
> doing the same thing (the fluid was OK, no big metal flakes or weird
> foreign material). I've checked the fluid regularly since the car was
> new, so I know the level has been fine. Can anybody tell me what
> might be the cause of the "whining" noise, and if it is serious or
> not????
>
> The other weird problem is we cannot press the accelerator pedal down
> as far as it should go, as it stops part-way, almost feels like
> something under the pedal that is blocking it but we checked for that
> inside the cab. Forcing the pedal past this stopping point actually
> causes the transmission to shift to Neutral. I have started to check
> the linkage and cabling from the trans to the intake area, etc. But
> also wonering if anybody has seen or heard of this as well.
>
> Thanks a lot for all feedback on these two problems! I hope the info
> here can also help others.
> --
> Chris