Engine clicking noises can occur to a greater or lesser extent while driving your vehicle. These can signal malfunctions of multiple origins originating from engine components.

In this article, we will focus on these manifestations by sharing with you their causes, the solutions to eliminate them and the different situations where they can appear.

Table of contents

What are the causes of an engine clicking?

In order to know the exact cause of the engine clicking, you must try to identify the exact origin of the noise . In most cases, this comes from organs located in the upper motor and less frequently in the lower motor . Here are the different possible causes of an engine chatter:

  • The injectors : the clicking comes directly from the injectors, this situation means that the injectors are seized or damaged. Furthermore, the fuel filter can also be the cause because it is clogged and allows particles to infiltrate into the injectors;
  • Hydraulic pushers : the clicking is caused by the malfunction of the latter;
  • The rocker arms : the operating clearance is not correctly adjusted or the hydraulic stops are malfunctioning;
  • Glow plugs : present only on diesel engines, they are defective and must be replaced as quickly as possible;
  • The crankshaft and the connecting rod : the big end bearings are deteriorating and the crankshaft is starting to be damaged;
  • The pistons : the clearance of the piston pin with the bottom of the connecting rod is incorrect, this will have a negative impact on the health of the engine.

Concerning knocks , this occurs more on gasoline engines and these sounds reflect a stalling problem with the ignition .

What are the solutions to repair an engine click?

To eliminate engine clicking, there are several solutions that you can implement yourself or call a professional:

  1. Use a mechanic’s stethoscope : it will help identify the frequency of the noise as well as its exact origin within the engine.
  2. Carry out an auto diagnosis : if the problem is not mechanical but electronic, you will need to use a diagnostic case to identify the sensor or fuses presenting a malfunction;
  3. Carry out several tests depending on the situation : multiply the tests with distinct parameters (idling, acceleration, etc.) to know with certainty the problem causing the engine to click.

When you have identified the defective part or sensor , you can go to a mechanic so that he can carry out either the change or the repair of the problem mechanism. As soon as the first clicking noises appear, intervene quickly as this could cause total breakdown of your engine and a higher bill to change it.

What does a clicking noise mean with the engine idling?

The clicking noise of the engine at idle has the particularity of being likened to a bell noise . The causes can be multiple even if in many cases, combustion is the cause. The latter is ensured by numerous parts: the injectors , the spark plugs , the lambda probe , the throttle body , etc.

Incomplete combustion can result from an incorrect amount of fuel or air within the combustion chambers. This lack comes from one or more parts that no longer work as they should. Carry out the various tests and try to eliminate the carbon present in the engine using an additive.

This must be poured directly into the fuel tank and then you must drive for half an hour to circulate the product in the engine system.

Why is there a clicking noise when I accelerate?

As with low-speed situations, engine chatter during acceleration can come from several problems with the engine. First of all, remember to check the level of the engine oil which is responsible for ensuring the lubrication of the engine.

If the latter is too low, add oil until below the ‘max’ inscription . The increase in noise can be proportional to the increase in engine speed, this means that the more you accelerate, the louder the clicking will be.

Therefore, it will be necessary to limit excessive acceleration to preserve the engine components. After locating the origin of the clicking, call on the services of a mechanic so that he can carry out the necessary repairs.

Depending on the case, the engine can produce noises ranging from simple clicking to clicking. These unusual manifestations will quickly alert you to the presence of a system malfunction.

If you are experiencing clicking noise, make an appointment directly with a garage near your home and at the best price on the market using our online garage comparator!

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