I have a 2003 s40 with 104,000 miles. I am the only owner of the car. It does a ticking sound like a clock when I am just starting it and running it for a while. I don't know if the sound stops later, I haven't paid attention. I think it does stop at some point or else I would notice it like I do at the beginning.

I have had different comments about what it is. One was something about the oil, the other, I am not sure.

I realize that I am being very vague, but maybe this is an obvious problem or at least common.

Any ideas what this could be and what repair costs would amount to--or if repairs would be necessary?

Thanks

 

You describe an exhaust leak. On my 2001 one of the nuts on the exhaust manifold studs would back off causing a sewing machine sound when the engine was cold. As the manifold heated up and expanded the noise would go away. The fix on a cold engine is to remove the exhaust heat shield, then reach behind the engine with a ratchet and tighten all the nuts to spec. To keep it from happening again use a stainless steel stop nut. Do not use the NYLOCK type stop nut as the nylon insert will melt.

 

^This^

I had the same problem, and the above fixed it.

 

Thanks, everyone.

 

I finally had my garage address this issue. I printed out this thread and asked them to check if this was the problem. It was and they fixed it. Thanks, so much.

 

Yep. Thanks for your post. It encouraged me to talk to my garage about this. I gave them this thread and it was the fix.