I just got my oil changed and when I start my '99 4runner Limited and put it in any gear, there is a loud ticking sound while stationary or while moving. When you put the shifter into park the sound goes away. It sounds like it is coming from the engine area but it could also be the transmission as well. I tried searching but came up empty except for various engine ticking noises.

 

make sure u have enough oil. you are going to have find exactly where the sound is coming from in order for us to help.

 

yeah, check all your fluids first... and pole around in engine compartment

 

i had a 99 f150 v6 and it did the same thing. i was told it was the oil pressure relief valve.

 

too much

or no oil

 

I pulled the dipstick tonight and the oil level is between the two marks. I have yet to check under the hood for the noise but I will tomorrow.

 

I had some time tonight to check out where the sound is coming from. It is coming from the front of the engine around the timing belt cover and the crankshaft pulley only when in gear. Not at idle. I did not have this issue until I got the the oil changed on Saturday. The oil level is between the two marks on the dipstick and when the engine is running, it is on the lower mark on the dipstick. There are no codes being thrown and no CEL. The 4runner had 134,000 miles on it and had the timing belt changed at 83,000. This ticking doesn't happen right a way on a cold engine. It takes about 3 minutes or so and goes from a faint tick to pretty loud.

The oil that was put in was Castrol High Mileage 5w30 Non-Synthetic. 5.5Qts.

 

to be honest I can't think of anything that could be messed up by an oil change in the front of the engine. Check for anything that is loose and rattling. Maybe when it is in gear it is shaking a bit moving whatever is loose but when in park the idles smoothes up. Does the tick go with the RPM's? If so you might want to pull your timing cover and make sure that you don't have a belt fraying or anything.

 

I would check the tightness of the balacncer bolt and both cam bolts...or possibly an idler/tensioner bearing going...

 

I had this occur to me as well after an oil change.
It only ticks in "Reverse" and "Driver".... I checked the fluids and the transmission fluid is bright red so its clean. Motor oil is at right between the marks when it is cold. Is that where it is suppose to be? Thanks guys.

 

You need to take it to the dealer. The ticking sound from my 4runner was coming from a weld braking on the flexplate. It sounded like it was coming from the front of the engine when actually it was coming from the rear. Be prepared to spend a lot of money if yours is doing the same thing. About $3500 getting a new flexplate and torque converter.

 

I have the ticking sound only at idle? Any thoughts?

 

You don't have to tkae anything to a dealer. There are many other competent shops. There are many incompetent dealers too. $3500 for a new flywheel and torque covverter plus labor is outrageous. Then again the dealership is the most expensive repair option.

 

I am curious as to how you figured out that it was the flex-plate. I took it to my Toyota guy who I really trust and he wasn't able to find the ticking. It is very faint but only in "R" and "D" and other gears where there is a load. Just wondering to see what I can do to diagnose the problem. It has been bugging me. Thank you for you help.

-austin