Whenever I turn the car off, and get out, I hear this ticking noise that doesn't go away for quite some time (5-10 minutes). Actually, my maxima isn't the only car where I've heard that noise. If you know what I'm talking about...is that noise normal? and what on earth is it??!!

Mine does it when i park it too- it is just some of the metal components of the car cooling off. when metal, or anything esle for that matter, gets hot, it expands. When you cut off the car, some off those components begin to cool almost immediately after. that noise you hear is the parts cooling off and the shape change that occurs-even if minute, will cause some noise-an old wooden house does the same thing in the summer time-it just sounds different...at least that is my theory and belief- my accord did it too.

Hope this helps,

Mike

I think it does it in direct relation to how hot your car runs. My maxima runs pretty cool, a good space below half way. My moms maxima I think needs a coolant flush. Hers runs a hair or two above half way. After driving her car hard it TICKS like a ****. I can drive mine hard all day long, and only a few ticks can be heard. Thats my idea.

mine usually runs right at the midway point and usually only does it when run hard....

the ticking noise after I turn it off doesn't bother me cause it's normal, its that valve tick I hear while the car is running that has me asking questions. My max is the only car I've had that does it.

My friends always laugh at the ticking noise saying the Japs use cheapy metals in their cars..I think it's the exhaust and stuff just constricting...It happens in some cars more than others..it usually associated with "hard" driving in most cars AFAIK...I don't think it has to do with the engine as my noises are all found underneath or appear to be...

has anyone thought of maybe its hot fluid from the oil or tranny fliud dripping back into the pan. it takes a while for metal to cool off, and u wont even here it do it. my guess is that this primalry pertains to autos, like when the fluid is draining off of the valve body back into the pan

My car is a 5speed and the sounds are all metal-related nothing like liquid/fluids dripping onto a metal surface..if that where the case I would not buy any car that did the noise

you can't really eliminate the ticking noise completly, but you can reduce it but letting your car idle 1-2 minutes after driving. I do this after getting off the freeway. I usually cruise @ 85/90 ecept for the lat 2 miles I'll drive @ 65, then when I park my max idles for about 2 min. When I turn it off very few ticks

Storeowner: "Can I help you Sir?"
Velcro: "I'd like to buy a turbo timer for my Maxima."
Storeowner: "Cool, so you've turbocharged your Maxima?"
Velcro: "No, I'm N/A. Its just to reduce the ticks".
Storeowner: "The what?"