Ticking sound in my 2000 Pontiac Grand Am?

[Eric J]

I shut off my car (2000 Pontiac Grand Am) and came back later to here a constant ticking sound coming from the passage side of the car and a dead battery.
It sounded somewhat like a turn signal clicking, but the turn signal was not on. Trying to get it to stop I checked all buttons and switches and when I flashed my high beams the ticking stopped, but as soon as I released the high beams it started again.
I did this 5 times and on the last time the ticking stopped all together, this has happened before and was wondering if anyone knew what this could be?

 

[helpful bob]

Sounds like you've a bad relay sometimes some circuits use a timer delayed type of relay and it could be what you're hearing that is ticking, plus sometimes a relay can get stuck or be faulty that can cause the relay to make noises too.

I'am wondering if that vehicle is equipped with day light running lights bec those type of circuits do use module that is directly affected both by low beams and high beams , plus it's the circuit that sends a signal so that the high beam indicator does glow and the proper times.

What I'd do is check any relays that you know off and feel them if it's the relay or timer circuit that is causing the ticking noises it will be vibrating.Plus think about any circuit that may require a relay or time delay etc device such as interior lights , headlights etc and check over these devices closely bec something that is steadily or often ticking even if the engine off that kills the battery over night etc you should be able to pin down the problem via the sounds.I'd also advice you to check the wiring and grounds for such circuits bec a bad ground or bad wire can also cause intermittent problems.




Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way here is Canada it's basically the law that any cars made have to be equipped with the daylight running light system and fuse box covers etc would mention DRL if that car is equipped with that system , plus the Vin numbers or owners manual would tell you about DRL or any other time delay feature that vehicle may have.