Clack clack periodic noise when key is out of ignition

[T A]

TJ's been sitting for 5 months in the garage during winter. Charged the battery and it started right up, however I now have a "clack clack" noise every few minutes, it happens with the key out of the ignition AND when it's running. Didn't take it on the road but forward/reverse seem to work fine moving a few feet in the garage.

Sounds kinda like the starter is engaging for 0.1 sec. I haven't had a chance to try and narrow down the source. Just wanted to check and see if anyone had heard of anything like this. Battery has a good charge and starts no problem.

 

[Chris]

TJ's been sitting for 5 months in the garage during winter. Charged the battery and it started right up, however I now have a "clack clack" noise every few minutes, it happens with the key out of the ignition AND when it's running. Didn't take it on the road but forward/reverse seem to work fine moving a few feet in the garage.

Sounds kinda like the starter is engaging for 0.1 sec. I haven't had a chance to try and narrow down the source. Just wanted to check and see if anyone had heard of anything like this. Battery has a good charge and starts no problem.

The "clack clack" noise you're hearing could indeed be related to the starter motor or possibly a relay that's sticking.

Here are a few things you might want to check:

• Starter motor: Even with the key out, if the starter solenoid is malfunctioning, it may cause the starter to engage briefly. This is usually an electrical issue, where the solenoid is receiving power due to a fault.
• Battery connections: Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Corrosion at the terminals can cause intermittent issues.
• Ignition switch: Sometimes a faulty ignition switch can cause the starter circuit to engage randomly. It might be worth checking the switch for any signs of wear or malfunction.
• Relays and fuses: Inspect all related relays, especially the starter relay. A sticking relay can cause the starter to engage without the ignition being on.
• Ground connections: Ensure all ground connections from the battery are solid and free of corrosion. A bad ground can lead to various electrical anomalies.

If you're comfortable, it might be a good idea to get under the hood and listen closely to narrow down the noise source, or you could even remove the starter to inspect it further.

 

[T A]

The "clack clack" noise you're hearing could indeed be related to the starter motor or possibly a relay that's sticking.

Here are a few things you might want to check:

• Starter motor: Even with the key out, if the starter solenoid is malfunctioning, it may cause the starter to engage briefly. This is usually an electrical issue, where the solenoid is receiving power due to a fault.
• Battery connections: Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Corrosion at the terminals can cause intermittent issues.
• Ignition switch: Sometimes a faulty ignition switch can cause the starter circuit to engage randomly. It might be worth checking the switch for any signs of wear or malfunction.
• Relays and fuses: Inspect all related relays, especially the starter relay. A sticking relay can cause the starter to engage without the ignition being on.
• Ground connections: Ensure all ground connections from the battery are solid and free of corrosion. A bad ground can lead to various electrical anomalies.

If you're comfortable, it might be a good idea to get under the hood and listen closely to narrow down the noise source, or you could even remove the starter to inspect it further.

Thanks. I found the issue. It was pretty obvious once I was able to stand in front when it made the noise. I was looking at the starter etc but it was actually the winch. For some reason it was engaging for half a second every now ant then. Bound itself up pretty good too. I disconnected it pending further investigation.