Intermittent ticking noise – not the indicators (video included)

jakesilvester

jakesilvester

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Feb 15, 2025
Messages
20
Location
Swindon, England
Hey guys,

My TJ (1998) has developed an intermittent ticking noise and I’m stuck. I’ve already replaced the multifunction / indicator stalk because a few threads pointed that way, but the tick is still there.

It’s not constant – it comes and goes, runs for a bit then stops, then starts again later. In the video it sounds like it might be coming from somewhere behind the dash (around the blue box / upper left area on camera), but I can’t pin it down exactly.


View: %5BURL%5Dhttps://youtu.be/WzAaXjEiYa4?is=37mx-xehdaTK8MnF[/URL]

Anyone recognise this sound?

Any ideas or similar experiences would be massively appreciated. Thanks!
 
If you have access to a stethoscope I'd use that to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. That'll help a lot, especially if it's under the dash.
 
That blue relay doesn't look factory, But it may be that the flasher relay has been changed. In my 97, the flasher relay is fastened to the steering column, but it may have been relocated.

The green LED next to the headlamp dip switch isn't stock either.

Maybe your TJ had an aftermarket alarm and the clicking relay was used to flash the lights, but has been disconnected from the lights?

If you unplug the blue relay do your indicators and hazards work?
 
jonny jeep said:
That blue relay doesn't look factory, But it may be that the flasher relay has been changed. In my 97, the flasher relay is fastened to the steering column, but it may have been relocated.

The green LED next to the headlamp dip switch isn't stock either.

Maybe your TJ had an aftermarket alarm and the clicking relay was used to flash the lights, but has been disconnected from the lights?

If you unplug the blue relay do your indicators and hazards work?
Click to expand...

jonny jeep said:
That blue relay doesn't look factory, But it may be that the flasher relay has been changed. In my 97, the flasher relay is fastened to the steering column, but it may have been relocated.

The green LED next to the headlamp dip switch isn't stock either.

Maybe your TJ had an aftermarket alarm and the clicking relay was used to flash the lights, but has been disconnected from the lights?

If you unplug the blue relay do your indicators and hazards work?
Click to expand...

Try pulling fuses to isolate it. Also search this forum for LED Resistor. If I recall correctly, swapping from incandescent to LED's required a resistor
 
Also check grounds! Battery terminals. Firewall. Under both speaker covers and in both kick panels.

Super easy to pull the instrument cluster.

And easy to unplug the MFS.

-Mac
 
Jeep Wrangler PCM and module repair and replacement
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