Expert: Sean Halliday - 8/31/2008

Question
My son bought this car a year ago and the engine makes a ticking noise which seems to come and go which was not there when he purchased it.  The Hyundai dealership advised that this is because the engine needs to warm up, however, my son keeps thinking that something is wrong with the engine as this is not a constant thing.  Also, 5 days ago he was on the highway and the car just quit.  He coasted to the side of the road waited a few minutes and it started up again and he came home.  What can you tell me about the ticking engine noise and about the car engine dying?  Thanks.

Answer
The ticking noise could be in the drive train,camshaft or valves,really no way to tell but it should not tick or need to warm up.The problem with it stopping could be anything either fuel or electrics and he should have it checked over.Fuel pump is usually the problem with stalling out.