Ford F150 Making A Clicking Noise – What To Do?

If your Ford F150 starts making a clicking noise, you may be wondering about the cause of the problem and how to fix it. Luckily, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.

Low or dirty engine oil, faulty battery, bad starter motor, and defective filter can cause your Ford F150 to make a clicking noise. The following are some things you can do to tackle the problem:

  • Jump-start the car
  • Change or top your engine oil
  • Inspect the wiring and battery cables
  • Recharge or replace the dead battery
  • Call a mechanic

This issue can be simple or difficult to fix, depending on the cause. Keep reading to get detailed information about how to fix Ford F150 that makes a clicking noise.

Ford F-150 Raptor - Most Extreme Production Truck On The Planet standing on a sand dune by the ocean - Ford F150 Making A Clicking Noise - What To Do

Why Is My Ford F150 Making A Clicking Noise?

 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck at a Ford dealership.

Here are the most common reasons why your Ford F150 is making a clicking noise:

Low Engine Oil

Ford F150 clicking noise may be traced back to dry joints caused by a lack of lubrication. It is simple to add more engine oil. This is usually done when you take your vehicle in for routine maintenance. But, if there is a leak, keeping the oil at the appropriate level will be hard.

Dirty Oil

Not only might your engine oil level be low, but there is also a chance that it is dirty, which could indicate that it cannot perform its function as it should. To effectively lubricate the engine's moving parts, the oil should be relatively free from contaminants. 

If you leave filthy engine oil flowing through your engine for long enough, it might cause the valve filter to become defective or fail, resulting in a clicking or ticking noise.

Battery Or Alternator Issue

The presence of rapid clicking is almost always an indication that the battery has just enough power to activate the starting motor but not enough power to crank the engine. 

This is either because of a defective battery or the alternator is not charging it properly, causing the power to deplete from the system.

Defective Oil Filter

The oil filter prevents dirt and other debris from getting into the engine oil so it can continue functioning properly. As a result of this, if the filter develops holes, dirt will be able to pass through them and pollute the oil, which will result in a clicking sound.

Bad Starter Motor

The battery in all cars, including your F150, powers a little motor known as the starter. It's the one responsible for starting the car engine, but starters only last for a couple of miles before they need to be replaced.

If the starter motor on your F150 is malfunctioning, the vehicle will be difficult to start. As a result, you will continue to hear a clicking sound any time you turn the starter.

What To Do If Ford F150 Is Making A Clicking Noise?

Mechanic is connecting a booster-cable to the battery in order to jump-start a car

The following are some actions that you can take to fix the clicking noise in your Ford F150.

Jump-start The Car

If your F150 is not starting and only making clicking noises, try to jump-start it. If it starts but immediately goes off, the problem may be with the alternator.

It is likely a battery issue if it turns on and operates normally; you should drive it so that the battery can get charged and then park it so that it can be charged using a trickle charger. 

 If the engine does not start, move ahead to the next possible solution.

Change Or Top Your Engine Oil

Check your engine oil. If it is low, try topping it off with the recommended oil for your F150. If the oil is dirty, you should change it.

Leaks could occur due to worn gaskets or seals, leading to low oil levels. As a result, you have the option of utilizing additives to put a stop to the leaks, if any.

Inspect The Wiring And Battery Cables

Conduct a thorough inspection of your Ford F150's wiring as well as the battery cables. Check that all of the wires are in the right places and that they are in good condition.

Conduct a thorough inspection of the terminals and cable connections of the battery. If the battery terminals are corroded, you should clean them. If the connections are loose, you should tighten them.

Recharge Or Replace Dead Battery

If the noise continues, check the battery with a multimeter to ensure it has the appropriate voltage. When the engine of the vehicle is turned off, the battery of a fully charged vehicle should read 12.6 volts. 

It should read somewhere between 13.7 and 14.7 volts when the vehicle is running. If the battery's voltage is low, it needs to be recharged or replaced before it can be used again.

If you recharge or replace your battery and the problem persists, it is likely the result of a faulty alternator not properly charging the battery. This can be remedied by replacing the alternator.

Call A Mechanic

If you cannot silence the clicking sound emanating from your vehicle, you will likely need to take your vehicle to a repair shop or make arrangements for a mechanic to come to your location and assist you.

The batteries, starters, and alternators of your vehicle will be tested at no cost by most auto parts shops to determine the source of the issue. However, you will likely need to take your car to the shop to accomplish that.

How Do You Tell If Your Alternator Is Bad?

Mechanic man holding alternator of the car on working table in repair and maintenance garage

Here are a few warning signs that will tell you that your Ford F150 alternator is bad:

  • The dashboard lights or headlights become dim.
  • The car fails to start on time.
  • Dim interior light.
  • Dead battery.
  • Clicking sound.
  • Electrical problem.
  • A burning smell within your car.
  • Active warning light.

If you observe any of the above warning signs, you should make every effort to have an experienced mechanic inspect your vehicle.

Clicking Noise From Driver's Side Of Dash When Opening Door

If you start hearing a clicking noise from the driver's side of the dash when opening the door, then the blend door actuator is trying to shift to a default position but is finding it difficult to do so. You must replace the blend door actuator to stop the clicking noise.

This can be a costly repair since there might be a need to remove the dash from the car to get to the blend door actuator. It is better to allow a qualified professional to do the repair.

Is It Safe To Drive Ford F150 With Clicking Noise?

Ford F-250 display at a dealership. The Ford F250 is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models.

No, it is in your best interest to avoid driving your F150 if it starts to make a clicking sound. If you don't detect and deal with the problem in its early stages, it could damage your vehicle and result in a significant financial burden. 

Clicking noise can be an indication of many problems, such as low engine oil or brake pads that are loose. Driving a car with such problems isn't a good idea.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Ford  F150 That Makes Clicking Noise?

The cost to repair and inspect a clicking sound coming from your F150 will vary. However, it will typically range from $250 to $550, with the cost of labor being $80 to $150 and the cost of parts ranging from $210-$700, depending on the part. 

Will Disconnecting The Battery Fix The Clicking Noise?

Not really. The clicking sound you hear is likely due to an issue such as a faulty alternator or a dead battery. Removing your battery's connection and re-establishing it will not necessarily fix the issue. You can contact a mechanic to help you with the problem.

What Are Normal Noises Ford F150 Makes?

Ford F-150 Raptor - Most Extreme Production Truck On The Planet standing on a sand dune by the ocean

Your F150 makes many types of normal noise. The tires make a humming sound, the windshield wipers make a swishing motion, and the mirrors whistle as the wind blows. 

However, there are some sounds coming from the vehicle that you shouldn't ignore. If you start hearing a new sound that won't go away, you should get your vehicle checked.

To Wrap Up

If your Ford F150 starts making a clicking sound, there may be an issue with the battery, alternator, starter motor, or filter. All you have to do is jump-start the car, change your engine oil, and replace a dead battery. Don't hesitate to contact a mechanic for help if you can't solve the problem yourself.

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