Clicks behind dash

[MPRCTCL]

As I threatened, I'm starting to post questions about XLR operation - what is normal vs what might be a problem.

When I get into the car, before starting it, I get a series of quiet clicks somewhere behind the dash. A get another set when I first step on the brake pedal and more when I shut the car off. It sounds like a relay chattering; like a fast ratchet sound.

It is along the centerline of the dash, somewhere around the radio.

Is that typical of the vehicle, or should I start searching for a problem?

Thanks!

 

[XLRATING]

I would say it’s normal. Both of ours do it, & my Base XLR does it even after putting in an aftermarket stereo (didn’t change the stereo because of that but did think it might stop it). Nothing bigger has come from it after 8 years of ownership.

 

[cubby558]

I agree with Amy. Most of the sounds you are hearing, is the car 'waking up' after sensing the fob. Pressing on the brake to start the car, sends voltage to the solenoid that controls allowing the shifter out of park, another clicking sound you probably hear.

 

[rexster314]

Yep, get used to the light clicking. It's inherent in these cars. Most of the time I don't even hear them anymore/pay attention to them anymore

 

[Popbigguy]

I thought we had a explanation on this before. Some of the sounds are the "vanes" that direct air flow in the AC/heater. Wasn't it CClark that said something about this?

 

[MPRCTCL]

I would say it’s normal. Both of ours do it, & my Base XLR does it even after putting in an aftermarket stereo (didn’t change the stereo because of that but did think it might stop it). Nothing bigger has come from it after 8 years of ownership.

Thanks. That’s exactly the kind of thing a forum is so useful for. Knowing when to, and when not to worry about something.

 

[ccclarke]

I thought we had a explanation on this before. Some of the sounds are the "vanes" that direct air flow in the AC/heater. Wasn't it CClark that said something about this?

Correct. One set of noises is the AC rolling film mode door, and the click heard when depressing the brake pedal is the transmission shift lock solenoid.

CCC

 

[Skenig]

Correct. One set of noises is the AC rolling film mode door, and the click heard when depressing the brake pedal is the transmission shift lock solenoid.

CCC

 

[Skenig]

I have a 2007 XLR that also has those strange clicking sounds when I close the doors. I can now rest knowing that those sounds are probably harmless. But here is my real problem that no one (including four different Cadillac dealers and my own mechanic) is able to solve. While driving the XLR, I will randomly hear two of those clicking sounds and immediately thereafter, the car will switch into "accessory mode" and turn off/shut down WHILE I AM DRIVING. This has been going on now for almost two years and is very intermittent. Some times happens four or five times in succession and some times I could drive for a few weeks without it happening at all. The only thin I know is that before it shuts down in mid-drive, it is ALWAYS preceded by those two clicking noises. Anyone have ideas on what might be causing this?

 

[ccclarke]

Rather than place the ignition switch on a shaker table and test it for continuity while simulating road bumps, I'd just replace the switch first since it's available and inexpensive. After that, you're looking for loose connections in the ignition circuit.

CC

 

[Skenig]

I have a 2007 XLR that also has those strange clicking sounds when I close the doors. I can now rest knowing that those sounds are probably harmless. But here is my real problem that no one (including four different Cadillac dealers and my own mechanic) is able to solve. While driving the XLR, I will randomly hear two of those clicking sounds and immediately thereafter, the car will switch into "accessory mode" and turn off/shut down WHILE I AM DRIVING. This has been going on now for almost two years and is very intermittent. Some times happens four or five times in succession and some times I could drive for a few weeks without it happening at all. The only thin I know is that before it shuts down in mid-drive, it is ALWAYS preceded by those two clicking noises. Anyone have ideas on what might be causing this?

 

[Skenig]

Thanks for your response CC. Two questions. I see plenty of used ignition switches on-line but have not found new ones. Is it possible to get a new one? Second, although I have never had any issues starting the vehicle, you think the issue I am having might still be the result of a bad ignition switch?

 

[ccclarke]

If you're driving along and the switch mode select randomly occurs, one distinct possibility is a bad ignition switch. (I don't know how adept you are at electrical troubleshooting, so I'm keeping it simple.)

You can check availability for a replacement ignition switch here: 25900943, 15894411, 10354848, AC Delco D1435G Ignition and Start Switch - SMC Performance and Auto Parts

c3

 

[Skenig]

If you're driving along and the switch mode select randomly occurs, one distinct possibility is a bad ignition switch. (I don't know how adept you are at electrical troubleshooting, so I'm keeping it simple.)

You can check availability for a replacement ignition switch here: 25900943, 15894411, 10354848, AC Delco D1435G Ignition and Start Switch - SMC Performance and Auto Parts

c3

 

[Skenig]

Hey, I'm up for anything at this point since you can probably imagine what it is like to be driving along on the road or highway going 60 MPH and the car suddenly turns off. I have been dealing with this for 2 years now and always have to drive in the lane next to the shoulder so I can pull over when it happens. No one can diagnose the problem since it never happens when the car is hooked up to the computer. What I really needed was an old time mechanic who used to diagnose problems from experience, not computers. Anyways, since the ignition switch is inexpensive, I will definitely give this a shot and let you know how things go. Regarding my adeptness at electrical troubleshooting, I have none. I always figured it was an electrical issue but that was mere intuition. Thanks for all of your help. I am excited to try the new switch which will hopefully again allow me to drive this car without worries.

 

[Skenig]

Thanks also for the site for the part. I spent an hour yesterday trying to find a source for a new switch and found nothing. Took me 5 minutes to order the part from the site you provided.

 

[ccclarke]

Hey, I'm up for anything at this point since you can probably imagine what it is like to be driving along on the road or highway going 60 MPH and the car suddenly turns off. I have been dealing with this for 2 years now and always have to drive in the lane next to the shoulder so I can pull over when it happens. No one can diagnose the problem since it never happens when the car is hooked up to the computer. What I really needed was an old time mechanic who used to diagnose problems from experience, not computers. Anyways, since the ignition switch is inexpensive, I will definitely give this a shot and let you know how things go. Regarding my adeptness at electrical troubleshooting, I have none. I always figured it was an electrical issue but that was mere intuition. Thanks for all of your help. I am excited to try the new switch which will hopefully again allow me to drive this car without worries.

Using this schematic, note that the ignition switch is basically a mode select switch that communicates with the Body Control Module, located in the passenger footwell under the carpet. There's a major connector there that bears checking out, which only costs you time.

Using a lot of photons, illuminate the area thoroughly. Verify the main harness connector to the BCM is seated. If it's loose in any way, remove it and inspect the connector face visually, looking for bent pins. If it looks good, re-connect, tighten and road test before throwing any money at the ignition switch.

Another thing you can do is remove the ignition switch (easy) and start the car. Shake the switch and pull gently on the harness to ensure the connector pins are seated properly and you get no intermittent contacts throwing it into ACCY mode while disabling the ignition.