Clicking sound, front of engine, when cold

Shortly after starting the engine, I get a metal clicking sound from the front of the engine. It is a constant frequency. It continues until the engine warms up and the fan starts. A service writer told me that it is common for GM products and that the noise generally lasts for about 90 seconds. I took the car in for service. I asked that the noise be diagnosed. The dealership replaced the water pump pulley. I still have the noise.

Has anyone experienced this tick--tick--tick?

It is funny you mention that....I have the same exact problem. I heard it is something about the fan clutch, but who knows. I know it isn't a valve sticking because the tick is too slow....Anyone else got any ideas??

When mine was doing that....it was the fan clutch. After the dealershi[p replaced it....again!.....it went away.

I am not a mechanic, but I suspected the noise came from the fan clutch. I couldn't figure why the dealership replaced the water pump pulley. I would have thought the pulley sits on the shaft and changes rpm coincident with the engine. The tick doesn't change rpm, but goes away when the fan kicks in.

I'll take the vehicle back to the dealer. Are you willing to share what the cost of the fan clutch replacement was?

Did anyone say that the noise would lead to eventual failure of the fan clutch if not addressed? One service writer told me that the noise was common for GM products and not to worry about it.

Very common in the 6 cylinder engines... Mine does it, 04 tb, my buddies does it 02 tb.

Almost sounds like valves closing. I have never been able to get a straight answer either.

Thanks, it is helpful to know that my 6 cylinder is not alone. Yesterday, the tempo of the ticking changed from sounding like a rap beat to '50s blues, sort of a "tick-tick.......tick."

i have an 02; same thing. the dealer had said there was a software update that involved the computer trying to relearn the crank timing. they uploaded it and it went away. but on the other hand, the fan clutch @#%! the bed 4 weeks later, with no clicking noise preceeding, coincedence? maybe. pretty sure the software was a recall.

i have an 02; same thing. the dealer had said there was a software update that involved the computer trying to relearn the crank timing. they uploaded it and it went away. but on the other hand, the fan clutch @#%! the bed 4 weeks later, with no clicking noise preceeding, coincedence? maybe. pretty sure the software was a recall.


I took my '02 back to the dealership three days ago, where they had replaced the water pump pulley and fan belt to try and correct the problem. Three mechanics mulled it over with stethoscopes and finally agreed that it was the fan clutch bearing and not their previous analysis and repair. They replaced the fan clutch and the ticking is gone. :)

It:s the Fan Clutch.......when it stops..get ready to replace it..