'09 J150 V6 Prado intermittent electrical ticking dash

[roddersau]

My 2004 120 series 4.0 V6 Grande started the same issue just a few clicks...but it has progressed and now it is almost continuous clicking... I think it is the temperature blend flap servo motor... I think the worm wheel on the electric motor starts slipping...
Most of the youtube clips on the subject are USA variants...try this one to get the background on the servo motor replacement https://youtu.be/yRRcLVNqgC8

[RedAdventureWagon]

AndOr_gxl

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AndOr_gxl great news! Funny enough I was in mine yesterday and the auto retract antenna relay sounds similar so was going to say check this next if you have one. Mine is a 95 GXL.

[AndOr_gxl]

AndOr_gxl

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AndOr_gxl definately sounds like a pretty meaty relay/contactor. It's got that clank clunk sound of a relay moving.

Weird how it comes and goes like that hopefully your auto electrician finds something.

You can always put your fingers on relays and you'll feel a definite movement on them when they turn on/off.

Found it! https://youtu.be/fMpxXP2xj-k

As suspected its the Redarc battery isolator. Apparently a bad earth can cause this so going to do a bit of trouble shooting.

Appreciate the replies mate!

[RedAdventureWagon]

AndOr_gxl

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AndOr_gxl definately sounds like a pretty meaty relay/contactor. It's got that clank clunk sound of a relay moving.

Weird how it comes and goes like that hopefully your auto electrician finds something.

You can always put your fingers on relays and you'll feel a definite movement on them when they turn on/off.

[AndOr_gxl]

Might be a similar issue to this fellas off another forum. Previous owner installed a Redarc battery isolator and the car was completely dead at the dealer when i went to test drive. Going to take her to a auto lec see what they say.

I have just had exactly same problem with my Navara. Left it unused for 3 weeks and battery was totally flat. Bought a new battery, then heard the same 'clicking noise' from battery isolator (mine is a Redarc) repeatedly, and battery was losing up to 1.0 volt overnight. Back to dealer who diagnosed a faulty Redarc battery isolator. Replaced it and all is well.
Note that the Red Arc relay will click off after you turn engine off (time delay depends on charge at time of turning off) as voltage drops in main battery to below 12.7 V (or 12.5V if you have latest model).
Don't do as I did and replace battery as it cost me $250 for one that wasn't necessary!

Video of the noise if anyone is still interested https://youtu.be/Ywwo-IFc6UU

[AndOr_gxl]

When the clicking occurs, if you change the AC temp to either very hot or very cold, does the ticking go away?

I dont think it has to do with the AC as its usually off when starting. I think its just some loud relays. Thanks for the reply though

[AndOr_gxl]

AndOr_gxl

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AndOr_gxl Mine clicks for the AC after engine start, so maybe it's getting that system going or similar. I also hear the brake pedal switch click on and off as I press the pedal, this was bugging me for a while before I twigged what it was

You could always try pulling non-essential system fuses (AC, stereo, etc.) in turn and see when the clicks stop!

Yeah i dont think its anything to worry about. Already got used to it

When the clicking occurs, if you change the AC temp to either very hot or very cold, does the ticking go away?

[RedAdventureWagon]

AndOr_gxl

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AndOr_gxl Mine clicks for the AC after engine start, so maybe it's getting that system going or similar. I also hear the brake pedal switch click on and off as I press the pedal, this was bugging me for a while before I twigged what it was

You could always try pulling non-essential system fuses (AC, stereo, etc.) in turn and see when the clicks stop!

[AndOr_gxl]

Are the 5 clicks before you crank the engine (i.e. when you turn the ignition to ON but not START) or after? Could be fuel pump, usually these come on a few seconds when you turn the ignition on.

As for the squeak usually the glovebox pops out if you squeeze the sides when out and that gives more access to the air ducts etc.

The clicks start a few seconds after the engine starts and continues intermittently for about a minute. Sounds like a relay click and seems to be more of them on morning cold start. Might just have to live with it but thought i might be able to narrow it down if i can find out what diagnostic checks the ecu is doing on cold start.

As for the squeek i narrowed it down to the motor that pulls the side mirror in on the passenger side. Something wasn't engaging so just pulled the in and back out again and went away.

Thanks for the reply RedAdventureWagon

[RedAdventureWagon]

Are the 5 clicks before you crank the engine (i.e. when you turn the ignition to ON but not START) or after? Could be fuel pump, usually these come on a few seconds when you turn the ignition on.

As for the squeak usually the glovebox pops out if you squeeze the sides when out and that gives more access to the air ducts etc.

[AndOr_gxl]

Hi All,

Picked up my first Prado a couple of days ago and very happy with car! Massive upgrade from my old agricultural 1KZte Hilux.

Just a quick question i don't think its really of any concern.
On start up there is intermittent ticking coming from behind the speedo cluster area. Sounds electrical like a switch/relay.
On cold start in the morning there is approx 5 single ticks spaced around 5 seconds apart. Warm start maybe only 1 or 2 ticks, sometimes none
Again this is probably nothing but just wanted to check in case its a more serious underlying issue.

I have tried the search bar just in case this topic has been covered already.

Update: Also just started today styrofoam type squeek from passenger foot well. Sounds like a duct or something going up and going back down once.



Thanks in advance gents!

Mike.