I've noticed a ticking noise coming from a component I am not familiar with (circled red). It appears to be A/C related. The ticking noise is audible and I can feel the ticking/click if I place my hand on this part. I have not used my A/C since June when it stopped working. It's a 2000 AW4 with just shy of 186,000 miles.

Note: not my engine bay

 

that is the purge valve solenoid. you need for the emission controls. there should be a flat post for it to sit on. There also should be rubber in the rectangular hole to quiet the clicking sound once mounted to the post.

 

THANKS to Duma Jones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

 

Evap Solenoid for the fuel system. It is supposed to click.

 

I did not know this, thanks! I'm glad it's not a problem.

Edit: Is there a reason why I'm just hearing this now? I've owned the XJ for a little over 6 months and been under the hood quite a bit with it running and have never heard it before this weekend.

 

While the ticking may be normal, if it is suddenly loud enough that now you notice it and never heard it before, I would check for a vacuum leak. I just went through this with a torn rubber elbow at the intake manifold.

 

My 2001 does this as well. need to look into vacuum leaks at some point.

 

You guys are all wrong! He's activated the self-destruct mechanism! That's the timer you hear!

Run for your lives!!!!

 

is this why my house is on fire?
🔥🔥🔥🔥

 

LOL that's what it sounds like to the untrained ear!

 

You can hear it ticking because there could be something wrong with the way that it is mounted. I took mine off of the mount one day on accident and i could here the ticking sound from inside for cab with no problems. Once I remounted it the ticking was gone. Check to see if the foam rubber padding is missing or damaged that is inside the mounting bracket and replace if needed.