Strange clicking/ticking noise in floor console (ATX)

[performancepartz]

Hey Guys,
I have searched the forums for a fix, however, I did not find any results. Hopefully I can explain the problem well enough that it can be solved and used as a reference for others.

This problem is pertaining to a 1999 ATX V6 Cougar:

I started to notice a faint clicking/ticking/poping noise coming from the floor console ( the console housing the shifter, e-brake, cup-holder...). The sound is very particular and I do not believe it is the transmission itself that is causing it, as no noise is made when I change gears. The strange sounds occur only when the vehicle finally stops after semi-hard braking, or when the vehicle begins to move from a stand-still. When I hit about 20 km/h, the strange noises stop, leading me to believe this has something to do with the plastic pieces in the console settling as they resist inertia. The sounds are best described as sharp ticking noises, or possibly better as "plastic shifting noises", the kind you might get if you jiggle the console around a bit, not exactly the same though.

I was wondering, does anyone have a how-to for taking apart the floor console? I have to buy a new e-brake boot anyway, so I figured I would try to tighten everything up down there and see if it does the trick. Between this, my vibrating driver's side heat vent, and my rattling seat belt height adjustment, I'm starting to go nuts! Any help would be very much appreciated!

[01blkcat]

Wouldn't surprise me that your brake lock switch is making a little noise... mine does. When you depress the brake it disengages the shift lock, and when you let off the brake, it re-engages, so that it won't allow you to "shift" while you're driving/accelerating. I would pull up the shift plate and take a look to make sure none of your wires are near the lock mechanism.

[performancepartz]

Come to think of it, the sound actually does sound like the brake switch. Its the same sound as when I am in park, and press the brake and the switch turns on and then off as I depress it.. This may be uttely stupid, but how do I pull the plate out? I have read about accidently snapping the OD cables, would this be an issue?

[01blkcat]

Yes... to be honest, if it makes the click when you depress the brake, then just leave it - it's normal.

[performancepartz]

That is not the problem, I am aware of this, the problem is that it makes strange ticking noises when I start going under power and rolling forward. I can let off the brake at a light and there will be no noise as it starts to roll slowly forward. As soon as I give it some gas and the car picks up a bit of speed, the clicking/ticking starts in the center console, up till about 20km/h then it subsides.

[phatcougar]

This isnt exactly the same prob u have but I have a 2000 ATX... and I have something that sounds like metal hitting just once when I either make a stop or accelerate again.. It sounds like maybe something metal is broken under the driversside floor.. I can actually feel it to when it hits.. But once again it only does it when I stop at like a red light or somethin.. then it will do it once more when i start to go again.. Any ideas on this one??

[Zalec]

had this problem. didnt really care. the car was falling apart anyways. once i had a dream i was driving down 94 one day and the tranny just fell right out and i was dragging it along the road.

[BMac]

Performanepartz, I seem to have the exact same problem also on a 99 ATX. I notice the ticking anywhere over about 20K, especially under acceleration or just after getting off the gas. It seems to be coming right through the centre console. I've only had the car for a few weeks and I haven't had a chance to really look underneath yet, but I had it jacked up a few days ago to clean the wheels and I saw what looks to be an aluminum heatshield over the exhaust. It looked flimsy and I think in most of the locations where it is held on by bolts and washers it has come completely off. I think it may be flapping in the wind at speed and that's causing the sound. I'll check it this weekend when I've got some time and I'll let you know.

[nukenavy]

I had somewhat of the same problem when i first got my 00 ATX. When i put it in gear it would jump and it would make ticking noises during acceleration/deceleration. Brought it in underwarrenty and it was a busted motor mount and a shift sensor.

[slomoe]

just turn the stereo up :)

[BMac]

I fixed my heat shield and that's not the problem. I took it to my dealer and I don't think they know what it is. I'm going to check out the motor mounts next.