2012 Land Rover LR2 Engine Makes A Ticking Noise

Diagnosing the Causes of Ticking Noises in Your 2012 Land Rover LR2 Engine and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
12% chance it's the
Exhaust Leak
0%
88% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2012 Land Rover LR2 engine makes a ticking noise are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak.
  • Exhaust Leak: A damaged or corroded exhaust system component can create an exhaust leak, resulting in increased noise and potential loss of engine power.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2012 Land Rover LR2 engine makes a ticking noise?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

If the drive belt idler pulley fails, there will be a very audible chirping noise from the front of the engine. This is because the idler pulley bearing is no longer smooth, and rotating causes metal to grind at high speeds. If it is not changed immediately, there is a chance it will become dislodged, or allow the drive belt to slip off. If the belt falls off, the accessory that it drives will no longer function. For instance, if the alternator belt idler pulley fails, the alternator may stop functioning. Also if the pulley begins to wobble, allowing slack in the belt, it will make an extremely loud squeaking or screeching noise, especially on cold starts. This is the belt slipping on the crankshaft pulley, and will require belt replacement once the idler pulley is replaced.

If the drive belt tensioner fails, there will be a very audible chirping, grinding, or rattling noise from the front of the engine. This is because the tensioner pulley bearing is no longer smooth, and rotating causes metal to grind at high speeds. If it is not changed immediately, there is a chance it will become dislodged, or allow the drive belt to lose tension, or break. If the belt falls off, the accessory that it drives will no longer function. Also, if the tensioner spring fails, allowing slack in the belt, it may make an extremely loud squeaking or screeching noise combined with a rattle as the tensioner bounces back and forth under load. The squealing noise is the belt slipping on the crankshaft pulley, and will require belt replacement once the belt tensioner is replaced.

An engine leaking oil does not always make a puddle on the ground. A burning smell may be noticed from the front of the vehicle after driving. This is because engine oil leaks may fall onto hot engine components, especially the exhaust manifold, and burn off before making it to the ground. This poses a risk to the engine because the leak going unnoticed may deplete the engine oil reserve, and lead to an oil starvation issue. Some engine oil leaks only occur while the engine is running, so the leak may be larger than the small spot on the ground makes it seem.

Noises can be accompanied by many annoying or worrisome sensations. Consider the noise of grinding brakes, the noise sounds much like the brake pedal and steering wheel feel. This is important, as random noises can be difficult to replicate without knowing when the sound occurs, what must be done to make the sound, and what sound it is. Any professional technician can replicate and diagnose most noises, but to ensure the vehicle is more quickly diagnosed, make sure you tell your technician these three pieces of information.

The engine oil pressure warning light will come on if the engine oil pressure is low, or if the oil pressure sensor is faulty. In either case, engine power may be reduced significantly. The check engine light may also illuminate, and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble code will be stored in the vehicle's computer.

What could be causing the ticking noise in the engine of a 2012 Land Rover LR2?

When you hear a ticking noise coming from the engine of your 2012 Land Rover LR2, it’s crucial to understand the common problems that could be at play. One frequent culprit is an exhaust leak, which often occurs between the head and the manifold, leading to a distinct ticking sound. Another possibility is a faulty or worn lifter, or tappet, which can create noise as the hydraulic lifters adjust to oil pressure changes during startup. Additionally, cam timing chain noise may contribute to the ticking, particularly if the supercharger coupler is involved; removing the supercharger belt can help isolate this issue. It's also worth noting that variations in chain noise can arise if previous repairs were incomplete, such as only replacing tensioners without addressing other components. While some of these issues can be diagnosed and potentially resolved by a DIY enthusiast, it’s advisable to consult a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection to ensure accurate diagnosis and repair.

How urgent is it to address the ticking noise in the engine of a 2012 Land Rover LR2?

When you hear a ticking noise in the engine of your 2012 Land Rover LR2, it’s crucial to act swiftly, as the severity of the noise can indicate underlying issues that may lead to significant engine damage if ignored. Common culprits such as exhaust leaks, faulty lifters, or low oil levels can escalate into more serious problems, making it essential to identify the source of the noise as soon as possible. The risk of neglecting these symptoms is high; what may start as a minor annoyance could evolve into costly repairs or even engine failure. For DIY enthusiasts, while some issues may seem manageable, it’s important to recognize when a professional inspection is warranted. A mechanic can accurately diagnose the problem and provide guidance on the urgency of repairs, ensuring that you don’t inadvertently compromise your vehicle’s safety or performance. Therefore, if you notice a ticking noise, prioritize addressing it promptly to safeguard your engine and avoid further complications down the line.

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2012 Land Rover LR2 Engine Ticking Noise: Causes & Repairs