Hi,
I've read other posts from people who mention their cars make a ticking sound but haven't seen one with a situation quite like mine.
My car has been making a ticking sound for a while, only occasionally, which can sometimes be heard while the engine is on although the noise of car usually drowns it out, but today I heard it for the first time after turning off the engine. It's different to the ticking and creaking noises I hear because the car is cooling down (faster). Also, it seemed more pronounced INSIDE the car. My question is do you know what it could be and is it likely to be serious? I can get it checked at a garage but I'm taking the car away next week and want to know that it will be safe and can put off a check up/repair until after. (Car is Nissan Micra, 1994)
Thanks in advance.
2006-08-25 03:31:50 · 24 answers · asked by Joey 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Update: I think I've localised the sound to the front o/s wing which I had replaced (with a second hand one) a few months ago. I'm sure it must be the sound of metal cooling down and contracting. I don't always hear the noise - not sure what particular conditions cause it, but I guess it's not serious enough to worry about. Anyway thanks for the helpful answers.
2006-08-27 22:25:38 · update #1
hmmm let me think.. The car ia ancient to be honest and the ticking noise u describe could be all manner of things. U do really need to get someone to look at it and then they could tell u what it might be.
Best advice I can give is book it in for a service and they may well find the fault if indeed there is one. It could be just the age of the car.
2006-08-25 03:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by Scatty 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is really odd. Normally when you hear ticking like that when it is running it is in the valve train, some times you can make that go away with 20w-50 oil and a quart of Lucas oil stabilizer. But that goes away when you shut the engine down.
Next time it happens disconnect the battery, if you are still getting the ticking sound then you may be getting a combo of the valve train and your engin cooling down. If it stops when you pull the power then it may be a relay that is sticking.
I hope that will help you track it down.
2006-08-25 03:46:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have spun a rod and your motor could be shot!!! I was going to say maybe your valves are tapping and you need to change your oil but if you heard it after turning your car off you have a problem. Have it checked out before taking it on a trip otherwise you'll more than likely be left sitting!!! Really it's hard to know for sure unless we actually hear it. If you know nothing about cars get it checked by someone who does! Also you never specified WHERE the sound was coming from...under the hood under the car itself???
2006-08-25 03:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by sparkles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion is your oil. Usually a ticking in the motor means low oil levels. If that's not it then possibly your engine is getting too hot which could be a fan issue or a thermostat problem or even a radiator issue. Good luck!! :)
2006-08-25 03:39:48 · answer #4 · answered by Heather W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most 'ticking' noises are due to metal expanding & contracting. The exhaust / exhaust manifold is a prime culprit. Might need a flange bolt tightened somewhere.
2006-08-25 04:06:29 · answer #5 · answered by creviazuk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My car did that and it was because the head gasket was gone. Open your oil cap, if there is a brown milky residue on the inside of the cap then water is leaking into your engine and you need to get your head gasket changed ASAP. sorry but its a big job.
2006-08-25 03:51:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has it got a clock?
Unlikely to be anything too serious if it happens when engine off and car stationary.
Could be clockwork droid from Dr who (look in boot) or a boom (sorry bomb).
Get someone who knows what they are looking at to have a listen, or someone who knows what they're listening to t have a look.
2006-08-26 00:16:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's gotta be the rod bearings. Does the oil pressure light show anything and did you check the oil? Your oil pump might have gone bad. My cousin had the same thing happen to his aspire, he ran it dirt dry of oil. I'd hate to say it but your engine is probly going to have to be rebuilt
2006-08-25 03:46:18 · answer #8 · answered by jyar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the ticking should continue if you get out of the car? If so, it could be the handbrake or suspension springs (levers). My golf used to do it... Its a slack handbrake cable or just the weight on your springs being released... Normal but annoying!
2006-08-25 03:43:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the frequency of the tickings it may be only the fuel injector sound , i had that type of noise and my mechanic said it is normal when the engine is cold it will decrease as it gets hot. Anyway consult your mechanic.
2006-08-25 03:36:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋