Clicking at Idle

[kustom]

I have been trying to diagnose my high idle problem when the engine is warm (1500 rpm). I just adjusted the TPS switch, and the idle drops to around 900 rpm (although I haven't taken it out for a drive to see if this solution sticks). Now a new problem has developed. At 900 rpm, there is a clicking noise coming from under the dash on the passenger side. I haven't had a chance to go looking for the source of the noise, but any ideas???

Thanks

[mbouse]

a bomb? a loud analog clock?

are you sure it is under the dash, and not on the other side of the firewall, like the exhaust manifold leaking?

[danaspider]

I would agree with Mike on this. It is most likely a leak on the exhaust. Maybe where the exhaust manifold connects to block, but more likely at the collector point where exhaust manifold comes together first step of the step down from 4 to 2. Bet it goes away after a while? Mainly there at startup? Check the tighness of the exhaust bolts.

[pope]

exhaust sounds good to me also

[kustom]

Definitly not exhaust...possibly a bomb.

It sounds like a signal flasher on steroids. I bumped the idle speed up to 1000 rpm, and the noise goes away. I thought maybe my voltage was dropping too low at 900 rpm, and causing something to complain ... like a voltage regulator (or something like that). But my alternator is putting out 14 volts. If I'm not mistaken, the idle speed should be 800 rpm, but I can live with 1000 if that ticking stays away. I think this is starting to give me a tick.

[Daveje]

Just a thought,is the clicking coming from under the glovebox? If so it might be the double relay.The Mirafiori Fiat guide says a common problem is for this to click rapidly if the TPS is set wrong. Put your hand up under the relay tray and check.

[kustom]

It's definitely under the glovebox, and it does sound like a relay noise. I'll have to check out that guide. Thanks