Cliff notes:

1. Driving home when I see the check engine light.
2. Try to get codes by doing something with the ECU when I press on the gas pedal and hear this ticking noise. (key in the ignition)
3. Noticed the noise went away after I let go of gas pedal.
4. Open the hood and pull back the throttle cable and notice a ticking noise somewhere by the radiator fan or valve cover. Can't really tell.

This only happens when I stepped on the gas pedal with the key in the ignition (engine not running) on the "ON" position...I think. I am wondering if anyone elses car does the same. To verify wether or not it is normal. I am curious to know if this has something to do with the check engine light coming one. Thanks.

 

It could be a bomb!!!! J/K
Mines makes a kinda whining sound but then it shuts up
after a few seconds. Never really heard ticking. Mine
also makes a pshhhh sound after I first turn it on and
move the steering wheel. Hmm oh well s long as its still
running.

 

Usually after I shut my car down and pop the hood, it makes a click about once every 5 to 10 seconds and it always has. Don't know if thats what you have, but...

 

Thanks for the input guys. I have those noises as well and I think they are normal. But the one I am describing is diffrent and never noticed it. Try this and I would invite everyone reading this thread to try it...put the key in the ignition to the "ON" position, then press the gas pedal and listen for an unsual sound. Try holding it down even and listen for some kind of sound. If you hear it let it go and see if it goes away and press the pedal again. If you hear some sound, pop the hood open and pull on the throttle cable and listen for this ticking noise. I would like to know if anyone elses car does the same thing as mine does. Just wondering if this is normal or something is screwed up to where it caused my check engine light to come on. Lately I have been getting bad gas milege, it keeps decreasing. Thanks to all that reply/replied.

 

Even our 2nd gen max would tick... it's normal, any Maxima owner would tell you that.