When i left for work this morning, i had the jk running and as i went around the front end to get into it i heard what is best described as a clicking sound. I stopped, and went to the front and heard it again. My wife was in the garage close to the front and heard it as well. This happened 3 or 4 times before i had to leave. Runs fine and no codes or anything. Could i possibly be hearing the fan stopping and starting? Not sure what to think. The rig is a 2011

 

Was your defrost or AC on? Sounds like the AC compressor clutch kicking on and off.

 

I have the auto climate control system, and it regulates both heat and air. That may be what I am hearing.

 

Sounds like the culprit. Turn the auto off. I'll will help your mpg's too.

 

Most likely that's it. Turn your fan control to OFF next time you hear it and give it a minute to see if you hear it again.

The AC compressor will cycle on and off with varying amounts of time but I'd say on for 10-20 seconds, off for about the same (at idle). Chrysler's system operates by regulating the pressure in the AC system using compressor on/off based on the pressure limits on the high and low side.

I wish all manufacturers would switch to variable AC compressor (non-cycling) that didn't just kick on and off like that all the time. My VW had one - not sure what type it was but it was variable and you didn't have that surge and lag of engine power with the cycling of the AC on and off like you do with the non-variable compressors.

My 99 TJ 4-cylinder felt like you were hitting the brakes when the AC kicked on. Of course I only use the AC occasionally (mostly work days when the Jeep Hair just doesn't work well).