Engine Ticking While Stopped

[SMG]

Hey guys,

I find when I'm stopped at a light, or after I've pulled into my parking spot, I hear a ticking noise.

Not like a clock, but much louder.

Is this normal?

Thanks!

SMG

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by SMG

Hey guys,

I find when I'm stopped at a light, or after I've pulled into my parking spot, I hear a ticking noise.

Not like a clock, but much louder.

Is this normal?

Thanks!

SMG

looks like you and i are in the same boat. i also have this noise. i think THIS noise is normal. it's a constant tick, right? no idea what it is, but i've been told it's nothing out of the ordinary.

how many miles on your NB?

[SMG]

Maybe 61k or around there, converting from kilometres

SMG

[Steinola]

I hear a clicking noise sometimes. I think it's either something in the electronics (thermostat?) or just the head contracting as it cools. I, too, don't think it's anything to worry about... but would be very interested to hear what you might find out.

[Porkchop]

You could hear a clicking from the a/c compressor engaging/disengaging... but it shouldn't be doing it constantly unless its messed up.

[SMG]

If it was the AC, it would be doing it all the time, this is only at a stop, and I don't use the AC most of the time.

SMG

[007]

the engine is cooling down and the metal is contracting.

jd

[Porkchop]

Originally Posted by 007

the engine is cooling down and the metal is contracting.

jd

But what's weird he is saying its doing it while idling at a light... I've never noticed a car do this while it is still running....

[Steinola]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

But what's weird he is saying its doing it while idling at a light... I've never noticed a car do this while it is still running....

You're absolutely right. I missed the "stopped at light" part, and just assumed he meant when he shut down.

Yeah... it's doubtful that the engine would be cooling down if it's still running.

I know my radiator fan switches on and off pretty regularly... and there seems to be a decent "click" when it does so (like I said... I think it's the thermostat). Could that be the sound you're hearing, SMG?

[MATTSBUG]

My car has been doing the same thing lately as well...I asked my dad and he thought maybe because the oil was too low or something, but I checked and it was fine...so I really don't know whats wrong. The new brakes that we just put on also squeak and sound like an old man's knees bending!!! It's really annoying!

[007]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

But what's weird he is saying its doing it while idling at a light.

didn't catch that. so is it while it's on, or after? secondary air pumps click sometimes, as well as the a/c.

jd

[hannaco]

Will the clicking change in speed as the speed of the motor changes? Does this happen mostly when the motor is warm?
If you open the hood, and listen, where is the clicking coming from?

[SMG]

It's at about 1 second intervals, and sounds like a knock..

SMG

[Crazy_MoFo]

My 98 started doing this not too long ago, I thought it was low on oil so I checked but it was fine. The noise comes and goes, some days it'll tick and some days it wont. Sounds like it could be a valve or the valves because when it's ticking and I give it a little gas it ticks faster.

[hannaco]

OK, just for grins and giggels. With the motor warmed up and running, open the hood. Listen near the bottom of the windshield. Look for something with a vaccuem hose, and listen for the tick - tick - tick. See if you can find the source.

[slugbug123]

i have a 98 beetle and it ticks too. the way you described it is exactly what it sounds like. my brakes squeak too. it's the most annoying thing in the world

[callisto9]

mine has been making all kinds of ticking clattering lately. i think the noises have even changed since the weather has gotten colder. my engine noises seem louder now.

[hannaco]

Originally Posted by slugbug123

i have a 98 beetle . . . my brakes squeak too. it's the most annoying thing in the world

Are these the original brake pads?
If you had the pads changed, were they the OEM replacement pads?
A common reason for the squeak is using other than the OEM replacement pads. They tend to be too hard, and squeak. VW sells a kit that has the pads, new guide pins, and pad backing.

[slugbug123]

i bought it with about 60000 miles on it so i dont know if they are factory but i doubt it because i checked them when i had the tire off and they are still good. and it's not just a sound when i hit the brakes; they squeak while i'm moving. i dont know if that's the brakes for certain though but i'd probably just change them all if i knew it was

[73standard]

Originally Posted by SMG

Hey guys,

I find when I'm stopped at a light, or after I've pulled into my parking spot, I hear a ticking noise.

Not like a clock, but much louder.

Is this normal?

Thanks!

SMG

I know that my '99 does it when it needs an oil change, our old '99 did the same thing as well.