I have a 04 Ram 4.7 with 75000 miles. It has developed a ticking noise when I start the truck and will last about 5 minutes. As I increase RPM the ticking sound gets louder and faster. After about five minutes of driving the sound just about disappears. If I kill the engine and start it up again even while still hot the noise returns and last approx 5 minutes. I run synthetic oil that I get changed on time. About a year and a half ago I had the dealer do a tune-up where they said they cleaned the engine do to pretty bad build up. Is this something I should worry about?

Also my headlights randomly flicker on and off while I'm driving. Any thoughts on that as well would be appreciated.

 

As for the ticking. Synthetic cold help. Get out there and check the exhaust manifold bolts also and make sure they are tight and not broken. After that comes internal upgrades.

As for the headlights, are you using HIDs or stock OEM bulbs?

 

I have stock OEM bulbs.

 

You may have bulbs getting ready to go out or a bad wire somewhere. If it is both bulbs on both sides then I would check out the TIPM or FCM.

 

Is it a bottom end tick?

Mine ticks from the under side. I'm pretty sure it's the transmission.

I think what's happening is the torque converter anti-drain back valve isn't working allowing the trans fluid to drain out. If I let it sit for a few days, it won't move in drive or reverse for several seconds. Once the torque converter is full again, the ticking stops and the truck will move properly.

I haven't felt like pulling the transmission pan to fix the problem. It's been occurring for 100,000 miles and 6 or 7 years now.