Ticking from Engine Bay

[Smocky]

Hi all,

I've noticed a new and fairly loud ticking sound coming from under the bonnet. You can't hear it from inside the car, but from outside and particularly from in front, it is quite loud. It's a constant ticking, like an indicator, and doesn't get faster or slower with revs. It happens when the engine is cold or when the engine is hot, but doesn't happen all the time. It almost sounds like a relay but it's much louder. When I open the bonnet it's impossible to pinpoint where it is coming from as it is such a fast sound. It's a simple tick... tick... tick... tick a little faster than 1 per second.

Anyone experienced this? The car is a 2016 SDV6 that has about 26,000 kms on the clock.

PS I still smile every day I get in to it. What a car !!

[veebs]

Hi all,

I've noticed a new and fairly loud ticking sound coming from under the bonnet. You can't hear it from inside the car, but from outside and particularly from in front, it is quite loud. It's a constant ticking, like an indicator, and doesn't get faster or slower with revs. It happens when the engine is cold or when the engine is hot, but doesn't happen all the time. It almost sounds like a relay but it's much louder. When I open the bonnet it's impossible to pinpoint where it is coming from as it is such a fast sound. It's a simple tick... tick... tick... tick a little faster than 1 per second.

Anyone experienced this? The car is a 2016 SDV6 that has about 26,000 kms on the clock.

PS I still smile every day I get in to it. What a car !!

I get something that sounds very similar - it goes away after a few moments though, slowly fades. Haven't tried changing engine speed to see if that effects it. I assumed it was a belt touching something, and being adjusted by the engine somehow to not touch any more.

In any case, it's just about due for a fairly major service (timing belts etc) so was going to mention it then.

[DiscoJeffster]

Same here, sometimes. Freaked out the first time I heard it. I'm not sure if it's only occasional or whether I can't hear it from inside the vehicle.
Yes it stops after a little while. I've never identified what it is.

[AGRO]

Hi,

I have had this ticking noise for years. When I turn the air con off the ticking disappears. Turn it back on and the ticking reappears. Air con has been and is always good and functional.

Generally noticeable at idle speeds or stationery. I presume engine noise at higher speeds over runs the ticking noise.

During warranty, or later at any indie they would always say "can't hear anything". Go figure.

I'd be interested in any comments.

My vehicle is a MY11, 2.7

[Smocky]

Interesting.

Well if we don't get any useful answers, I'll take it on board to find an answer. It only started after the first service. I never noticed it before that.

I'll record an audio of it too and post it up here if it will let me, so that you guys can confirm it is the same noise.

Would be interested to hear if others have this experience as well.

Jason.

[DiscoMick]

Air-con belt or pulley rubbing?
Turn off air and see if it stops.

[Ozzy119]

I have the very same thing. Sometimes it seems really loud when at idle with a window down. I've always thought it seems odd but it hasn't ever manifested into something problematic and passes every service without question.

I've never thought to find out what it is, so very curious to read more opinions on this one.

Living in Cairns I don't think i've ever turned my AC button off. Maybe i'll try that, given its a cool morning today, and see if it makes a change.

cheers

[Ferret]

... it is quite loud. It's a constant ticking, like an indicator, and doesn't get faster or slower with revs.

I have a similar sound but have only noticed it when cold. I asked the dealer to investigate, was told it was related to the magnetic clutch on the fan trying to lock up.

[Tinman]

Had the same ticking noise which took quite a while before I found out what was causing it. It turned out to be the plastic top engine cover resting on the air intake at the front of the engine. Got a piece of rubber hose about 50mm long split it from end to end so as to form a u section. Placed it on the engine cover where it was rubbing replaced the cover no more ticking
Cheers

[leohgh]

Had the same ticking noise which took quite a while before I found out what was causing it. It turned out to be the plastic top engine cover resting on the air intake at the front of the engine. Got a piece of rubber hose about 50mm long split it from end to end so as to form a u section. Placed it on the engine cover where it was rubbing replaced the cover no more ticking
Cheers


I can't figure out how from your words. Can you take a photo and point out. I would like to get mine done.
THANKS

[Eric SDV6SE]

The engine cover can also rub onto the cooling hose and actually wear through it. cut the cover with a Stanley knife and dress with a dremel or air grinder.

The fan clutch is a viscous coupling, not magnetic, so what the dealer told you was bs.

The tips or edges of the fan can touch the shroud, especially if they've taken it off, the shroud never goes back together properly and they need to plastic glue it in place.

My guess its the fan.

[Micha]

The tips or edges of the fan can touch the shroud, especially if they've taken it off, the shroud never goes back together properly and they need to plastic glue it in place.

My guess its the fan.

+1 That's what I had.