Clicking noise in dash.

[spyderdrifter]

So back before I got my spyder running again, I put in my black dash since the car was down anyway. So soon after I got it running, it developed a weird clicking sound under the dash. And it only happened while depressing the gas pedal. Even at idle. So I've ignored it since then because I could never find a cause. So recently it has developed to occur in only when the engine is cold, still with gas pedal, and seems to disappear after about 30 minutes of driving. Today it was persisting when I got home and parked so I got a video of it. Will post it up once I upload it to youtube. Just looking for ideas. The clicking never existed with the old gray dash.

 

[DSM1G90]

Got the dash all back together correctly with all the connections secure?

Clicking from the resetting of the relay, which can point to a tired ECU or just a connection that didn't get secured tightly enough that comes from the ECU.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Damn, I forgot to upload my video. I'm leaning towards the ECU going. In the video, it sounds like it's coming from behind the stereo, so it's likely. I may remove the dash this weekend to be sure. I know everything was secured though.

 

[DSM1G90]

If I remember the relay is an MPI relay that loses current from the ECU why it has t reset to be enabled.

This is due to the caps under the cover are either leaking, or just drying out so not to hold a decent charge.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Well since I forgot to upload this already, here's the video. The clicking can be heard around the 8-10 second mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOe4J_8WsOU&feature=player_detailpage

 

[stiggity99]

spyderdrifter:
I'm having the same issue!
I cant get it to stop, and I havnt even started the engine yet. I have DSMLink v3. As soon as I turn the key to ON, it starts clicking and continues until I either turn it OFF, or unplug the main MPI fuse.
I bought a 99 GSX shell for cheap, and it looked good, but just today I tried to login with my laptop, to manually turn the fuel pump on, to drain the full tank of 3 year old gas that was in it, when I got it.
CEL wont go out, and I cant get DSMLink to connect!!!! it's a 95 ecu I bought off of eBay, supposedly socketed and re-capped from ECM Tuning. well... needless to say, ecu/chip/cable are all going to ECM Tuning to be checked. The DSM Link chip, still has my old parameters flashed to it, like 95/96 CAS, the stock boost gauge displays knock, etc,.... how did you fix it???>

 

[spyderdrifter]

I haven't figured out what it is. It's just sorta become normal now and gets done out by music, exhaust, or just enjoying the drive. However, I'm planning on doing my awd conversion before the year is up, and may tear into the dash again. It didn't even go away the last time I pulled the dash out to replace seal all the HVAC tubes.

 

[stiggity99]

have you ever replaced the ecu? I paid $189 for a '95 socketed and re-capped ECU off eBay... 80% of what I've been reading leads me to believe my ecu is bad....

 

[jimsgsx]

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble but i have the same damn thing and 2 perfect ecus. Still does it. Rewired fuel pump, still does it. Checked every connection, fuse, etc. Still does it. Pretty irritating. Does get louder when accelerating. Keep me posted. Im going to replace alternator and mpi relays soon, just to rule them out.

 

[spyderdrifter]

No, I've never replaced the ecu, and never had another one until now. Got the ecu from my 96 gsx donor that I may use once I do the awd swap, or may just keep the 97 ecu and have Link installed on the gsx one. I have removed and inspected it though and never seen anything wrong with it. Since then, I haven't suspected the ecu was the source of the clicking. I've replaced my alternator in the last 2 years, no change. Haven't replaced the mpi relay, but now that I have my donor, I may just do it.

 

[stiggity99]

Jim/SpyderDrifter:
At least ya'll cars run!!!!!
Hear back from ECMTuning, and diagnosis of mu ECU/chip/cable... ECU had a bad botched socket install, and the caps were leaking. Got it fixed, and it should be here by Friday!!!
Dave from ECMTuning, is a great guy. There very professional, have excellent communications, and a pleasure to deal with. Can't wait to start this baby up!!

 

[spyderdrifter]

Run yes, run well, not so much. My spyder has been plagued with issues over the last year that haven't all been resolved. And the worst one being my clutch. Hopefully once I do my awd swap, in addition to another engine, I'll be able to resolve most if not all.

 

[stiggity99]

I'm not much of a _Brown-Noser_, but from your signature, it looks like you really enjoy the DSM world!! This 99 GSX is my 3rd 2g, (1) 2ga '96 Talon TSi, (1) 99 GS-T, (1) 99 GSX, all 5spd. had planned on awd swapping my 96 TSi, but got a good deal on a roller (that needed lots of parts, but my Talon had 85% of them). I'd recommend looking local for an awd or gsx, makes thingsd ALOT easier. For a swap you'd basically need both cars in a garage at the same time, lots of tools, and a helper, but if you already have those.... go for it. Do you know how sweet AWD is going to be for me. My 96 wud spin then in 3rd..

 

[spyderdrifter]

My red gsx is my donor now, and so far I have a helper with a garage. Just need to get my own welding machine and then I can start.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

I had this same exact problem but it was behind the radio. The relay, wires and ECU (I have the black box version) were in perfect condition. My crappy AutoZone alternator couldn't keep up with all the electronic and voltage demands. Voltage regulator and the alternator itself was the culprit in my case.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Hmm, that seems like a possible cause for mine. My alternator didn't come from Autozone, but it's still and aftermarket part, and I did already have one fail and almost start a fire under the hood. Purhaps if I do the Saturn alternator swap, I might be able to eliminate the clicks.

 

[91Bomb]

I had same mpi relay clicking one time and even though battery terminals looked clean + felt solid, after wire brushing + re-tightening problem went away completely. I was really surprised but it was on a damp, rainy day.

In 18+ yrs of owning dsm's I also had times where it was leaking ecu caps causing that too. So I do believe having a spare ecu + mpi relay is a must so you can swap them in to see.

Maybe a bad ground wire somewhere too though because I just chased down a bad ground from fuel pump rewire which was causing FP to shut off intermittently and then restart inexplicably. I would have sworn pump was going bad but ground wire was corroded + making bad contact.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Since I now have my gsx donor car, I have all those spare parts. I will probably test out the mpi relay too. I'll have to rearrange my firing order for the spare ecu though since it's a 96 ecu and I have a 6 bolt engine powered by a 97 ecu.

 

[stiggity99]

spyder:
You'll need the pickup on the intake cam gear too. If your using a 95/96 ecu...

found out all this trouble was caused by a whacked ECU. Logged in today, and pumped all the old gas out, and tomorrow I'm planning on starting it.. WISH ME LUCK!!!

 

[spyderdrifter]

What do you mean by pickup on the cam gear?