when i shut my car off it makes a ticking sound.. What could be causing this.. Serious answers only please
2006-08-12 11:31:58 · 11 answers · asked by trxr4kdz 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most typically it comes from the exhaust system as it cools, with modern catalysts and emission controls, components operate at very high temperatures and require heat shields and flex joints which expand and contract with temperature changes. While other components can contribute to the noise, exhaust parts are most noticeable due to the more extreme changes. Perfectly normal and nothing to worry about unless there is a significant change.
2006-08-12 11:55:24 · answer #1 · answered by spaztechnik 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A couple of possibilities come to mind. First has to do with the fan, which is electric and can continue to run after you shut off the car. If there is some sort of debris hitting the blade (like a leaf) it might make a ticking sort of sound.
Second, which I have experienced, is that the hot exhaust system can make some sounds as it begins to cool off after the car is shut off. Metal expands with heat and contracts again as it cools.
In either of these cases, the sounds can be there when the car is on, you just don't here them over the other noise.
I have heard fuel pumps making a ticking noise, but that has been when the key is turned on and before the engine is started. I don't think the fuel pump is energized when the key is off (as opposed to the fan, which is).
Have you tried to localize the sound? Front? Rear? Engine compartment? Underneath?
A good website for Saturn owners is http://www.saturnfans.com/
I have gotten lots of help there with questions about my saturn.
Good luck.
2006-08-12 18:42:57 · answer #2 · answered by Steve Wood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As metal in the exhaust cools and contracts tick tick sounds until the exhaust completely cools off. You don't hear the same when the engine warms up because engine noise drowns it out
2006-08-12 18:37:37 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cooling off. When metal is superheated, water inside it (anti-freeze/coolant) is still boiling. all cars do. the noise you hear depends on the material used to cast the engine block. If Aluminum or like lightweight materials are used for the engine block, you will definetly hear ticking. it is more of a crackling noise I'll bet!
2006-08-12 18:40:32 · answer #4 · answered by Skipper1974 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably just cooling down. my car does that too. just a quiet little tick then another huh. yes its just cooling down. kinda like a house does at night when all is quiet and shut down for the night.
2006-08-12 18:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like it's just cooling off. if it's a loud ticking sound i could be wrong, but most cars do go tic tic tic when they are shut down and cooling off
2006-08-12 18:34:49 · answer #6 · answered by js8incher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually most cars do this. It's usually from the car cooling down and the metal joints shrinking slightly.
2006-08-12 18:34:15 · answer #7 · answered by Jim2386 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dealers will say its either fuel injectors or the fuel pump....I've had the experience of hear both.....and people continuously ask whats the noise......its really nothing to be worried about probly 1 out of every 8 cars I drive do it newer and older models
2006-08-12 18:36:35 · answer #8 · answered by firestoneasetech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guessing, its the exhaust system cooling off.
2006-08-12 18:45:09 · answer #9 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad or low quality gasoline.
2006-08-12 18:33:51 · answer #10 · answered by sugarsweeteegrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋