Tick tock CLICK clock

[Guest]

Hi folks,

An unusual sound is coming from the area of the dashboard clock, though whether the clock is the culprit I don't know - every so often there's a very loud click sound, similar to the noise a small stone makes when it hits the windscreen, that seems to come from where the clock is. The clock's functioning normally, and the noise comes along often (usually once a day, sometimes more often) but doesn't seem to be at regular intervals.

Anyone else had this or know what it could be?

John

 

[Guest]

Hi John. Sorry, can't assist other than to tell you that mine does exactly the same. Usually when the car's in the warming up stage. I always put it down to something cold expanding. Don't know for sure though.

 

[Guest]

Hi john,
I've often wondered myself what that noise you describe is, I thought it was a relay or something electrical but I really havent a clue. I dont think (hope) its anything sinister!
If anyone out there could enlighten us that would be great!

 

[bones]

Me too, I think it is the plastics around the dash and or the gauges expanding/contracting due to the intense heat of HEs hot air and the cold air coming from the front of the car. Things will expand and contract pretty rapidly under such conditions.

 

[lesworth]

John,

I noticed a loose connection on the drivers courtesy light switch this weekend. With the door open, when 'fiddling' with the black button, the light flickered on and off and was accompanied with a clicking noise from the area you describe (perhaps a relay or something). I cleaned all the contacts and this has stopped (switch now works fine). Maybe this is the cause?

Les.

 

[adamtsobek]

Hi John,

I believe that what you are hearing is the expansion of the clock and other guages as the whole fascia expands whilst the heating system is heating your car. It happens to me on a reguar basis when the heating is turned up high.

Regards

Adam Sobek

 

[ClubSport 911]

every so often there's a very loud click sound, similar to the noise a small stone makes when it hits the windscreen

Same here...."Ghost in the machine"

 

[Guest]

Seem to experience exactly the same problem - depending on climatic conditions - especially when the heating is turned up high...more of sporadic clicking sound.
Cheers
Gordon

 

[Guest]

Had a better listen out for it this morning, as I hadn't made the connection between warmth (either outside or in) and the click - sure enough, as the heating kicked in I heard the click a few minutes later. How odd! I wonder if this is something that all of these cars are known for!

 

[nottage]

I have had my car for a year now and not eve noticed this, until I read tis thread yesterday and sure enough on the way home last night I had the heating on and opened the window.

You guessed it. Click!!

I am not too worried though as they all seem to do it. Maybe it is something to do with old age!!

Kevin

 

[Andrew Tempest]

If your clock is similar to the one in my '72 911, the noise that sounds like it's coming from the clock probably is coming from the clock !

The electric clock is actually a mechanical clock that is wound by an electric motor. When the spring runs down it turns on the motor, which operates until the spring is wound back up. This happens every few minutes, I think, and certainly explains the previously unexplained noise that I hear.

Cheers

 

[Guest]

Later clocks, like mine, are, I believe quartz controlled. Mine keeps really good time, and is silent.

There are relays behind the clock, like the courtesy light and indicator units, so it is more likely to be them. Try removing the clock completely, and driving with just the hole, if you see what I mean; the sound may become more obvious.

 

[Signor]

Greetings Again
There's always someone who is three weeks behind everybody else[8|] I too, have this mysterious "click" from the instrument area, sounds very much like clicking your tongue?
The closest I have come to finding out what it is was by tapping the speedo glass with your finger nail. The sound and harmonics where very similar!
Interesting......
Alex Kovac (alias Signor)

 

[Guest]

87 Targa. If you place a finger on the clock face, the "tick" can actually be felt. Scared the **** out of me till i realised that it was mechanical as opposed to electrical(short).

 

[Paul911]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but on the subject of the clock. What is the white needle on the clock supposed to do? Is this the seconds hand? If so, it doesn't work on mine. Anyone have one that has a use?

Paul

 

[sheep911uk]

Its not a second hand its probably a startime indicator if you wanted to time a journey.

 

[Richard Savage]

John - Yep! Agree with everyone else. A periodic - clonk! Like it was playing catch-up! I wondered for a while if there was a problem, but now, nearly two years after I purchased the car, it's still workin' fine.

When I took the car for a trot, before purchase, I was a little annoyed that is wasn't working. The second hand wasn't moving, but of course, one could always, read the Hand Book ..................... ooooooops!

R.