I have an annoying ticking noise (sounds like a relay or something) that occurs when I am driving on a level road maintaining a steady speed. It stops when I take my foot off the accelerator or am coasting. It seems to be coming from under the dash on the driver's side.

Anyone have any idea what this could be?

Thanks.

 

When it does it, is it a constant tic tic, or just occasional tic?

 

Well it pauses about 5-10 seconds and then repeats.

 

The noise seems to be located to the left of the steering column. It comes and goes, the ticking noise is erratic in speed, volume of the ticking is consistent.

It hasn't done in a day or two. It seems to come up more on long drives?

Any ideas?

The dealership says they haven't heard of any issues regarding this...?

 

I have the same noise. It drives me crazy and makes me wonder if I should be driving the car. It comes and goes. It showed up this morning after 2 weeks of no problem. Sounds like it comes from around the wheel. Sounds electrical but is definately sensitive to fibrations. If the car is sitting still and the transmittion is in neutral it goes away. When put in drive it starts again. If while driving (probably dangerous) I adjust the steering wheel in and out/up and down it impacts the noise but it doesn't go away. Bumps make it increase in rate and volume. I've wondered if it has anything to do with the airbag - that makes me nervous. I'm also afraid to take it in for repair. A fishing expedition my a mechanic would probably be expensive. The noise is definately from in side the car and not from the engine compartment. Help!

 

Reporting same noise in my '02 A6

I agree it sounds like relay

Its just a subtle click. It reminds me of a mechanical counter, like the one a doorman uses to keep track of how many people are in "da club"

 

although it sounds like one.

The ticking is too dependent upon vibration for it to be a relay. It sounds electrical, yes, but I don't think it is.

My car is still under warranty, and I've mentioned it to the dealer before, but they said they've never heard any complaint about it. When I try to get the car to reproduce the sound, I can't. As you guys have also said, it comes and goes.

So frustrating, especially on road trips.

 

I have the same problem with my 2002 A4. Its always in the morning & always when moving. If I'm sitting at a light it doesn't do it. Only when I accelerate. Its coming from behind the dash in the light switch area. It goes away after driving it awhile. Definitely sounds like a relay.

 

My 2003 A6 has a clicking noise that sounds a lot like the clicking sound of the turn signal, but faster. It comes and goes. Any ideas? Could it be a fuse?

 

my ticking is definitely triggered by bumps in the road. i've taken my a4 in three times to the dealership, they can't figure it out. That's not very promising, in my opinion. I've even paid 180 under their recommendation for them to reinsulate my dash, that didn't fix it either.

garbage