I have a 2006 5AT Coupe and today on my way home from school I noticed a new ticking sound . I got home and opened the hood an listened to the idle and the sound is definitely more noticeable from the driver side and sounds like it's coming from the front or middle of the engine towards the bottom. I have already done some searching and it does not sound as harsh or rattle like as the timing chain, but I'm still concerned. The sound does follow the RPM's in the sense that as a rev the engine the ticking increases in frequency. It's going to bother the hell out of me until I know what it is, so any information would be fantastic. Probably going to take it to a mechanic this weekend to get it checked, but I would like to have an idea of whats wrong beforehand.

 

Check oil level

 

On a flat level surface. And check the purge control valve on the rear passenger side of the plenum.

 

The oil level is right where it should be, right in the middle of H and L.

 

The valve looks fine to me, everything is connected. I also have no idea what a bad valve would look like though.

 

I've done a bit more research and it sounds like I've got a lifter tick. This can be caused by having dirty oil, and I am due for a change in 600 miles (I change it every 4k) so I am going to go ahead and change it this weekend and see if that helps. Any suggestions on which oil to use? I have been using Penzoil Platinum 5w-30. Also how much would a lifter replacement/repair cost on our cars? Just in case the oil change doesn't help.

 

Can't be that cheap. Your best option is to call around to local engine shops.

 

Right in the middle is actually a little low. Should top it off to the H. I'm usually right in the middle after 3K miles and notice timing chain rattle. Top off the oil and it noise goes away. I usually change mine around 4-5K as well.

I use Castrol GTX 5w30. No issues so far.

 

I just topped her off, and this worked perfectly! Thank you so much, I thought it was going to be much more serious.

 

Well the sound is back this morning... I'm hoping she just needs an oil change and I'll be doing one this Friday or over the weekend. If it still doesn't go away I'm taking her to the shop.

 

Be prepared to pay well over $1900 to fix the lifter tick. I was quoted around that area at an infiniti dealership with a notable discount!

 

$1900?! Jeez that's a lot, but from what I've heard it's harmless and just annoying. The lifter is more than likely just "mushrooming" as they call it and is just gunna make noise but not cause any real problems with the car. I'm going to take it to a mechanic just to make sure but for $1900 I'll just live with the noise if it's harmless.

 

Its probably just your dash clock.

 

I don't think my dash clock would match the rpm

 

Yeah, the 06 AT has an RPM/clock matching mod. Totally sic.