Clicking Noise coming from the dash when turn ignition on...?

[BOSS 32V]

My truck makes a clicking noise when I turn th ignition key on for about 3 seconds and goes away, sounds like a sticky relay, ever since the noise started the engine takes a little longer to fire up, the sound comes from the inside of the dash board around the middle, any ideas what is this?

It's an early 99 7.3 psd bone stock

Thanks.

[belz]

I would drop the fuse panel (4 10mm bolts) and cycle the key to try and pinpoint the relay. If it is not on there, stick your head down there and try to find the relay. That will also help to diagnose the problem.

[BOSS 32V]

^you mean the fuse panel underneath the steering wheel?

[builder_one]

Might check your batteries. My truck made that same sound under the dash and the engine would not crank. I'd cycle through the ignition cycle several times until I could get the motor to crank and it would turn over much more slowly than usual, checked the batteries and they had pretty much given up the ghost. Installed new ones and the engine cranked much faster and haven't had the clicking noise since.

[belz]

Originally Posted by BOSS 32V

^you mean the fuse panel underneath the steering wheel?

Yes. Low batteries will also do that. If the relay isn't getting enough voltage. That's an easy check.


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[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by builder_one

Might check your batteries. My truck made that same sound under the dash and the engine would not crank. I'd cycle through the ignition cycle several times until I could get the motor to crank and it would turn over much more slowly than usual, checked the batteries and they had pretty much given up the ghost. Installed new ones and the engine cranked much faster and haven't had the clicking noise since.

Same here.

[BOSS 32V]

One of the batteries is about 18 months old, I will check them tomorrow...

Do you guys think the batteries could get bad quick if the truck is driven 1 or 2 times a week for short periods?

[belz]

Things happen and it's an easy check. I would roll over to an autoparts store and have them tested unless u have the tools. Just make sure u disconnect them from one another and test them one at a time.


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[builder_one]

You say that one of your batteries is 18 months old? I was told if one battery goes bad that you'll have to replace them both. If you replace just the bad battery the remaining battery will kill the new one when it starts to go bad also. Can't remember the exact reasoning for this and can't find a link to it yet, but I've heard it from multiple sources.

[belz]

Originally Posted by builder_one

You say that one of your batteries is 18 months old? I was told if one battery goes bad that you'll have to replace them both. If you replace just the bad battery the remaining battery will kill the new one when it starts to go bad also. Can't remember the exact reasoning for this and can't find a link to it yet, but I've heard it from multiple sources.

Well I have replace my primary battery twice and still on my optima secondary. I've had that one for like ten years.

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