Pinpoint Test A: Engine Ticking Noise
- A1 CHECK FOR A TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL RAIL
- Disconnect the first fuel line clip.
- Is the ticking noise gone?
Yes: CHECK for applicable TSBs. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A2.
- A2 CHECK FOR A TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL INJECTOR
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the fuel injectors by placing a probe on each injector. To isolate the faulty injector, disconnect the injector electrical connector and listen for the noise.
- Is the fuel injector the source of the ticking noise?
Yes: INSTALL a new fuel injector. REFER to FUEL CHARGING & CONTROLS - 2.3L , FUEL CHARGING & CONTROLS - 3.0L (4V) or FUEL CHARGING & CONTROLS - HYBRID . TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A3.
- A3 CHECK THE BELT TENSIONER FOR A TICKING NOISE
- Inspect the accessory drive. Check for the belt tensioner bottoming at the end of travel or not at the end of stroke.
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the belt tensioner.
- Is the belt tensioner the source of the noise?
Yes: INSTALL a new belt tensioner. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - 2.3L , REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - 3.0L or REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - 2.3L HYBRID . TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A4.
- A4 CHECK THE WATER PUMP FOR A TICKING NOISE
- Using an EngineEAR, listen at the water pump for a ticking noise.
- Is the water pump the source of the noise?
Yes: INSTALL a new water pump. REFER to ENGINE COOLING or ENGINE COOLING - HYBRID . TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A5.
- A5 CHECK FOR AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE COOLING FAN
- Inspect the cooling fan for obstructions.
- Check the cooling fan and shroud for wear or damage.
- Is there an obstruction or does the cooling fan show signs of damage?
Yes: REPAIR or INSTALL a new cooling fan. REFER to ENGINE COOLING or ENGINE COOLING - HYBRID . TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A6.
- A6 CHECK THE OIL PUMP FOR A TICKING NOISE
- Check the oil pump using the EngineEAR and probe at the oil filter adapter to verify the oil pump as a source.
- Is the oil pump the source of the noise?
Yes: INSTALL a new oil pump. REFER to ENGINE - 2.3L , ENGINE - 3.0L (4V) or ENGINE - HYBRID 2.3L . TEST the system for normal operation.
No: GO to A7.
- A7 CHECK THE VALVE LIFTERS OR LASH ADJUSTERS FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Check the valve lifter/lash adjuster for correct operation using the EngineEAR.
- Are the valve lifters/lash adjusters operating correctly?
Yes: VERIFY the customer concern. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect components.
No: INSTALL a new valve lifter/lash adjuster(s). REFER to ENGINE - 2.3L , ENGINE - 3.0L (4V) or ENGINE - HYBRID 2.3L . TEST the system for normal operation.