Loud Ticking Noise When Cold

I have a 2001 VW Passat V6 with tiptronic trans. It has 34k miles.

Primarily when backing out of my garage on a cold morning, I hear a loud ticking noise (like a loud clock). I have heard it in both reverse and in drive. The noise goes away once I get 50 feet down the road. It is the most pronounced when it is cold outside or the car has not been driven in a while.

Any ideas on what may be causing this?

Yes I know what that is.

It is a solenoid. I have the same sound and test drove a new Pasatt that has the same sound.

the technician told me that this is normal and nothing is kaput.

cK

Does the clicking go faster with engine RPM's? If it does and is coming from the engine then its probably a lifter tapping. Try a lighter weight oil if you are using anything heavier than 5W-30

I would agree with bmw2002nut, the best way to check is like he said, if it gets faster with rpm's it is probably lifter noise. My audi did the same thing with certain weights of oil in the winter months.