Noticed my Mustang GT is making an annoying ticking noise

Recently I can hear this this super annoying ticking noise coming from my Mustang GT. It’s driving me absolutely bonkers! Has anyone else experienced this?

Response

I had the same issue with my Mustang GT! After a lot of digging, I found that checking for a blown spark plug or bad ignition wire worked.

Solutions that worked for users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Personal Experience	Estimated Cost (USD)	Time Needed (Minutes)
Check for Blown Spark Plug or Bad Ignition Wire	2	Checked the spark plugs and found one was bad	$20-$50	20-30
Check for Exhaust Leak	2	Found a small leak near the manifold	$50-$200	30-60
Replace VCT Solenoids	1	Replaced with OEM solenoids and the noise stopped	$50-$100	30-60
Check Timing and Cam Phasers	1	Replaced timing components and the noise reduced	$100-$300	60-120
Check Belt Tensioner and Alternator	1	Checked tensioner and alternator, found no issues	$0-$50	20-30

Symptoms

• Ticking noise at idle or under load
• Ticking noise after oil change
• Ticking noise during acceleration

Possible Causes

• Bad spark plugs or ignition wires
• Exhaust leaks
• Faulty VCT solenoids
• Timing and cam phaser issues
• Belt tensioner and alternator issues

Solutions that Worked

1. Check for Blown Spark Plug or Bad Ignition Wire

What I Did: Checked the spark plugs and found one was bad.
Outcome: The ticking noise stopped.
Personal Experience: After replacing the bad spark plug, the ticking noise was gone.
Estimated Cost: $20-$50
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes

Steps:

1. Disconnect the car battery for safety.
2. Remove the spark plug wires by pulling them gently.
3. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs.
4. Inspect the spark plugs for any signs of wear or damage.
5. Replace any damaged spark plugs with new ones.
6. Reconnect the spark plug wires and the car battery.

Expert Tip: Always use a torque wrench when installing new spark plugs to avoid over-tightening. Also, consider using anti-seize lubricant on the threads of the new spark plugs for easier removal in the future.

2. Check for Exhaust Leak

What I Did: Found a small leak near the manifold.
Outcome: The ticking noise stopped after fixing the leak.
Personal Experience: After patching up the exhaust leak, the ticking noise was gone.
Estimated Cost: $50-$200
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes

Steps:

1. Start the engine and listen for a ticking noise near the exhaust manifold.
2. Use a mechanic’s stethoscope to pinpoint the leak.
3. Turn off the engine and let it cool down.
4. Inspect the manifold gaskets and pipes for any visible leaks.
5. Repair or replace the leaking part.

Expert Tip: An exhaust leak can mimic the sound of a ticking noise. Always double-check the exhaust manifold and gaskets for any signs of leakage. Using a smoke machine can also help identify small leaks.

3. Replace VCT Solenoids

What I Did: Replaced the VCT solenoids with OEM parts.
Outcome: The ticking noise stopped.
Personal Experience: After replacing the VCT solenoids, the ticking noise was gone.
Estimated Cost: $50-$100
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes

Steps:

1. Locate the VCT solenoids on your engine, usually near the camshaft.
2. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
3. Remove the retaining bolts holding the VCT solenoids.
4. Pull out the old VCT solenoids.
5. Install the new VCT solenoids and tighten the retaining bolts.
6. Reconnect the electrical connectors.

Expert Tip: Always use OEM parts for replacements to ensure longevity and proper functioning. Also, clean the area around the VCT solenoids before installation to prevent any debris from entering the engine.

4. Check Timing and Cam Phasers

What I Did: Replaced all the timing components and cam phasers.
Outcome: The ticking noise reduced but returned after a few days.
Personal Experience: After replacing the timing components, the ticking noise reduced but wasn’t completely gone.
Estimated Cost: $100-$300
Time Needed: 60-120 minutes

Steps:

1. Disconnect the car battery.
2. Remove the timing cover to expose the timing chain and cam phasers.
3. Take note of the timing marks for proper reinstallation.
4. Remove the old timing chain and cam phasers.
5. Install the new timing chain and cam phasers, aligning the timing marks.
6. Reinstall the timing cover and reconnect the car battery.

Expert Tip: Always use OEM parts when replacing timing components to avoid premature failure and additional costs. Make sure to properly align the timing marks to avoid engine misfires.

5. Check Belt Tensioner and Alternator

What I Did: Checked the belt tensioner and alternator but found no issues.
Outcome: The ticking noise persisted.
Personal Experience: After checking the belt tensioner and alternator, I didn’t find any issues, so the noise continued.
Estimated Cost: $0-$50
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes

Steps:

1. Locate the belt tensioner and alternator.
2. Use a stethoscope or a makeshift listening device to listen for any unusual sounds.
3. Check the tension on the belt; it should not be too loose or too tight.
4. Inspect the alternator for any signs of wear or damage.
5. If you find any issues, replace the faulty part.

Expert Tip: Using a stethoscope or a makeshift listening device can help you pinpoint the source of the noise. Check the belt tensioner and alternator for any unusual sounds. Also, a loose belt can sometimes mimic a ticking noise, so make sure the tension is just right.

Car Models Where This Worked

• 2008 Mustang GT
• 2003 Mustang GT
• 2014 Mustang GT
• 2012 Mustang GT