What is causing this occasional clicking/ticking sound ?

[davem]

I have a 2001 XLT, V-6, 4WD, with 44,000 miles. What I'm about to describe occurs while in 4WD-Auto.

I have recently noticed this 'clicking' type of sound - its not an ongoing noise, just a single 'click' once in awhile. I seem to experience this at slow speeds, or even while stopped. (Not sure about higher speeds - too many other things probably would drown it out even if it were occuring.)

It kinda sounds like a solenoid engaging/dis-engaging, like an electic fan kicking on/off, or maybe just as the A/C pump engages. I realize its neither of the above, but it sounds similar.

I have no other drive-ability symptoms - seems to drive fine.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[davem]

I have a 2001 XLT, V-6, 4WD, with 44,000 miles. What I'm about to describe occurs while in 4WD-Auto.

I have recently noticed this 'clicking' type of sound - its not an ongoing noise, just a single 'click' once in awhile. I seem to experience this at slow speeds, or even while stopped. (Not sure about higher speeds - too many other things probably would drown it out even if it were occuring.)

It kinda sounds like a solenoid engaging/dis-engaging, like an electic fan kicking on/off, or maybe just as the A/C pump engages. I realize its neither of the above, but it sounds similar.

I have no other drive-ability symptoms - seems to drive fine.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks,
Dave

Since there have been no replies, I think I'm going to wait until the problem becomes more pronounced and/or more frequent/re-creatable.

Can anyone rule out some of the other problems I've read about here, such as:

- locking hubs
- axles
- drive shafts
- transfer case
- etc

Or is it possible my problem may still be linked to one of the above ?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[98BlackXSport]

Turn off your AC and then listen for it. Most Ford AC clutches click about every 15 seconds or so. It is really annoying.

 

[davem]

Turn off your AC and then listen for it. Most Ford AC clutches click about every 15 seconds or so. It is really annoying.

I haven't used my A/C yet this year. (Minnesota) But as I stated in my original post, its *similar* to that sound.


Dave