Q: The engine is making a ticking noise I would like to what it might be

asked by on October 23, 2016

The engine makes a ticking noise when it's running you can barely here it. The ticking noise goes faster as I accelerate and I was wondering what could it be

My car has 13389 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Ticking or knocking sounds typically come when the engine has been ran low on oil for a period of time or if the engine has had the wrong oil in it. I would recommend checking your oil level to ensure that it is full. After this, if the oil level is full, I would recommend having a qualified professional inspect your engine for damages. When the engine is not lubricated as it should be, this can cause excessive wear to the drivetrain. When excessive wear occurs in the in the valve train this can cause the ticking noise you are hearing. If you need assistance getting this looked at, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your location to diagnose the ticking noise and advise you on proper repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Where are the front cup holders?
The front cup holders are located next to the shift lever.
Engine light on, black smoke coming out exhaust on acceleration and fault codes
The glow plug faults are most likely going to cause a hard start condition, which will be most noticeable when the engine is cold. The colder the engine, the more difficult it would be to start usually. Often times, glow...
Check Engine Light is ON sometimes and then it turns OFF and then turn back ON again
Based on the information you provided. Your crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is the most likely cause of your concern. You may also see a p0339 code which is also a crankshaft position sensor code. I recommend having a certified professional...
My car begins a bouncing sensation when braking at higher speeds
Any vibration felt only when the brakes are applied would typically be a brake pulsation. If the brake rotors are warped, you can feel a vibration in different forms depending on which rotors are the issue - front or rear....
My truck has the trouble code P0700, what does it mean?
If you have downloaded Diagnostic Trouble Code P0700 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0700-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-control-system-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton), that means a fault has been detected in one or more of the following transmission components: the transmission control module, the transmission valve body, the shift solenoid(s), and/or the wiring harness...
After replacing valve cover gaskets, car runs horrible, and throws 5 different codes.
Hi there. Look on the engine for any ground wires. There could have been a ground wire that was disconnected to remove the valve covers causing all of the codes to appear. A ground that is not hook up can...
replacing crankshaft
Crankshaft damage can occur for a few reasons. One can be from the engine running hot or overheating. Proper cooling system operation is important. Lubrication is another. If the oil level is run low or oil changes not being done...
Can a 2010 town have a bad cylinder wall?
The newer engines of the 3.8 liter line can be installed into the van as long as the wiring harness and computer comes with it for the VVT system. If you need further assistance with your engine swap, then seek...
The electric throttle light is on and the car idling rough when it turn it on. It wont go over a certain speed.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle has detected an issue with the electronic throttle system. The system is designed with sensors and monitors that let you know when there is an issue, and the send you into "limp...

Related articles

How a Car Ignition System Works
The The complicated process of a vehicle's ignition system requires precise timing on the part of the various systems involved. Starting a vehicle involves much more than just turning a key in the ignition switch; it requires each system to...
How Engine Timing Works
Your Your car engine consists of a number of rapidly moving parts, including a crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, engine valves, rods and pulleys. As the piston moves up and down, the valves move correspondingly, in and out. The crankshaft spins, and...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankcase Vent Filter
Common signs include oil leaks, excessively high idle, and a decrease in engine performance, power, and acceleration.