Tick tock sound and electrical wobble

[ccaallvviinn]

Sorry chaps, being new to e30 I afraid I have quite a list of questions I've not been able to find answers to.

On starting the car, there is a 'tick tock' from the dash that coincides with the temp gauge flickering and the alternator belt squealing momentarily suggesting two jobs need doing, one of which is a new ancillary belt . What is the 'tick tock' and is it normal.

Thanks a lot

[Brianmoooore]

What is the 'tick tock' and is it normal.

No idea and no!
I suggest you sort the belt out first and go from there.
Flickering temp. gauge can be a loose not on the back of the cluster, but in your case could also be related to the slipping belt.

[aimlessrock]

water pump?

[Pinchy_Larou]

Tick tock maybe a relay switching but for what, I've no idea (not much help at all I know)

[ccaallvviinn]

Yes, it does sound like a big relay, as he car warms up it gets let frequent and then stops, I suspect that it's drawing a large load which is making the alternator work hard which squeals the belt, mystery

[Brianmoooore]

Only relays behind the dash are up to three low down on the extreme LH side, and none of these are likely to be switching on their own at start up. Two more relays inside the bottom of the A pillar on the RH side, but these can't draw enough current to slip the alternator belt.
Any alarm/immobiliser module will also contain two relays, but if the engine's running, these won't be doing anything either.
What car is this, BTW.

Edit: Possible lightbulb moment. Is the heater fan switched off? Thermal overload in the heater resistor pack can cycle slowly if it detects an overload or is faulty.

[ccaallvviinn]

Ahhh, that's a point, the fan is faulty so it may be left in the on position, I'll check in the morning, thanks so much for your help

[ccaallvviinn]

Well done! All related, fan in off position tick tock stop! Thank you