An irregular ticking that slows downs over time is probably a hot exhaust component (exhaust manifold heat shield, down pipe, catalytic converter, etc.) contracting as it cools off. This is normal if it stops after a few minutes.
Lifters ticking.
the ticking is the blinkers
Faulty engine
Could be a bad turn signal flasher
Without the year, make or model of your vehicle it could be a bad compressor and or a bad compressor clutch.............
The ac compressor is shot. Usually what your hearing is a bearing that is moving around.
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.
Exhaust system as it cools.
funny you bring this question up....im 17 and bought a 1998 buick century with a 3100 sfi engine about a year ago. one cold morning i started it up and heard that ticking sound you mentioned. it did this for about three weeks before my motor blew up..what was it in my case? A blown head gasket. hope this helps
if your truck was out of oil and you ran it it probably threw a rod. it makes a fast ticking sound and it comes from under the valve cover. that is most likely what happened
if it sounds like a loud humming sound, its most probably your wheel bearings. Cost from £20 to £60
A bad transmission. The sound is from metal grinding on eachother.