Check the ac compressor and clutch to see where the noise is coming from. Also check the compressor drive belt for wear.
starter relay replace starter relay I am not sure but you may have to replace the starter
Check battery and starter.
A wheel bearing could be going bad in a 2002 Ford Focus if a grinding or rubbing sound is heard. A trip to a mechanic is advised as a bad wheel bearing that's not fixed can lead to damaged brakes.
IF... you're sure the battery's good, (have you tried jumping it? If you can jump it it's almost surely the battery) check/clean the cables and ends. The ticking sound you hear is usually associated with either a dead battery or a bad battery cables.
You should have an auto mechanic check the car or take to the Ford dealership.
Could be a bad turn signal flasher
It's a rocker arm tapping at valve stem. Hydraulic lifters (hydraulic rocker mounts) are the common reason for the ticking. If it doesn't go away when the engine heats up, consider replacing the lifter where the ticking comes from.
When your injectors get dirty, it will do that.
I had a similar problem in a taurus. I had to replace the alternator.
That would be the sound of your mother-in-law.
I am pretty sure that i have heard that he like ford focus because he finds it calm being in a ford.
Maybe that ticking sound is the ignition key switch in the steering wheel column failing to make enough contact to switch on. Also, it's possible your starter is shot. Obviously make sure that your battery is in good shape.