GOT RIPPRD OFF AND STILL PROBLEM

[Luis829]

Well this is how it goes. About 2 weeks ago my car left me stranded. A ticking sound under the dash (driver side)started and the SES light, coupled with the "Reduced Engine Power", turned on. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership. Almost a week goes by when I get a call from the service writer telling me, my computer just needed reprogramming. He went on to say the repair would cost $160.00.

I agreed to the repair knowing I was getting shafted, but wanted my car back, so I took it like a man! NO VASELINE FOR ME!

Of course, this afternoon it happened again! Now I feel like a cheap slut!

I lifted the hood to try and see something, but seems ok considering I'm not a mechanic. Let's go over this:
1)Ticking is eminating from the engine bay
2)The problem appears after about 5 min the engine running.
3)Touch different parts of the engine and feel the ticking vibrating from the Thermostat, nowhere else does it vibrate.(TICKING PERSISTS EVEN WHEN ENGINE IS OFF!)This test is performed while the engine is off.

I need to know if this ticking is caused by the Thermo not working properly. Would a sound like that eminate from the Thermostat? I believe it's not working and the engine may sense it, so the SES light comes on aswell the REP light.

I need help folks! Please! What do you suggest?

[img]graemlins/crybaby.gif[/img]

[LimitedE]

Time to go back to the dealer and return the favor! :D

[Luis829]

Well here's an update!
Forget the thermostat!! The ticking is coming from the O2 sensor or that general area.

I returned to the car after 7 hours and the car was ticking away. The keys were in my hand! I hadn't even turned the ignition on. I disconected the battery and the ticking went away. I have an electrical problem!

Is it possible I have an O2 Sensor problem? Something around there is recieving juice even with no key in the ignition. I really need some help here. Thanks in advance.

[Luis829]

If it is the O2 sensor, Can I get it at AutoZone or do I have to return to the dealer? Could I replace it myself?
Get Back Please!

[morbid]

what kind of ticking is it? is it constant? does it sound like a relay maybe? i don't know if an O2 sensor would be making a ticking noise. i don't see how it would make any noise at all...

[MustangEater8251]

Not sure if this applies to 3.8Ls, but on an 85 Camaro of mine, semi simlar problem with fuel pump relay it owudl tick, and if that thing is goofy woudl give you similare problems with your car, and it makes a ticking noise when you start the car for a split second.

[SilverTAWS6]

Do you have Autotap or know someone in your area that does? Then you could find out the code to better locate the problem (I'm assuming you have OBDII). I'd try and locate someone in FL with it, if you can't find someone on here, try LS1.com in their regional section. I'm sure you will be able to locate someone near you who won't mind scanning it for you. I would definitely go back to the dealer and raise heck though, because it sounds like they misdiagnosed your problem and took your money for something that wasn't an issue.

Chris

[RUC]

The zone will read your computer for free.

[apiccola]

Strange tapping noise even while the engine is not running. I checked the troubleshooting guide and it says: Let the squirrels out for air.

Anyhow, if you think the problem is electrical, disconnect the battery while the car is ticking. If the ticking stops, reconnect the battery and start pulling fuses and relays until you discover the "ticking" circuit.

Good luck!

[Fusion]

Harmonic Balancer? That's what mine did. Ticking like that.