Technical funny ticking noise?!

[artifact]

Hiya
I'm new here and found the forum by tying in fiat Ulysse problems!

I have a Ulysse 2.0ltr petrol 2000 model, recently on occasions when i try to start the engine i get a rapid clicking noise (which seems to come from the front driver side wing!) also the amber engine light doesn't come on and the engine doesn't start - no other warning lights come on.

This can happen 3-4 times in rapid succession and then the car starts no problem, only seems to happen in the morning on first start.

This happened for a couple of months then seemed to sort its self out, then the other day after a reasonable trip when i got back in the car after a short stop, the engine wouldn't start, no engine amber light again, no other warning lights, no clicking i waited a couple of mins and it started.

Then today when i stopped to reverse into the drive the engine cut out, started as soon as i tried again!

I'm not sure if these are all connected problems, but i suspect they are and are probably all electrical based (well it is an Italian car!) just thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas?

Cheers
Phil

 

[smythe500]

Hi , this won't help , you but I have the same issue - after recharging the battery off the car .
The ticking is coming from a brown relay box bolted onto the top of the drivers wing. I am not sure at all what this does , but my guess is the imobilizer .Before charging the battery , after locking the car , a few seconds later there was a clicking noise which then stops after 10seconds or so . Since removing the battery this "click" carry's on and does not stop until you either unlock the door or start the engine .
One thought is the current in the battery dropping? - coz it's on the way out? and this is causing a fault?. Had an escort once where a slowly discharging battery would cause the alram system to trip out and stop the car starting .
Intrested to know if anyone knows what the brown box is !.