When your 2020 Infiniti QX60 produces a rapid ticking or clicking noise instead of starting normally, you're hearing relays rapidly engaging and disengaging due to insufficient electrical power. This distinctive sound points directly to low voltage conditions.
Understanding the Ticking Sound
The ticking comes from relays - electromagnetic switches in the fuse box. When battery voltage is low, relays can pull in briefly but immediately drop out as voltage collapses under the attempted load. This creates the rapid tick-tick-tick sound you're hearing.
Battery Voltage Issues
The primary cause of relay ticking is a weak or discharged battery. The battery may have enough voltage to power lights and accessories but collapse when asked to run the starter. Measure battery voltage - it should be 12.4-12.7 volts at rest. Under 12.2 volts indicates a discharged state.
Battery Connection Problems
Corroded or loose battery connections create resistance that drops voltage under load. The battery may be fully charged, but power can't flow efficiently to the starter and relays. Clean and tighten both battery terminals, and check the ground cable connection to the chassis.
Starter Relay Identification
While multiple relays may tick when voltage is low, the starter relay is the primary culprit if only one relay is ticking. Locate the starter relay in the under-hood fuse box using the cover diagram. You can often hear and feel which relay is clicking by touching them during the start attempt.
Jump Start Test
Connecting jumper cables from a known-good battery tests whether low voltage is the cause. If the QX60 starts immediately with jumper cables attached, your battery or connections are the problem. If ticking continues even with jump assistance, look for a failed relay or starter circuit issue.
Relay Substitution Test
Most vehicles use identical relays in multiple locations. Swap the starter relay with a non-critical relay (like horn or accessory) to test if the relay itself has failed. A failed relay won't start the car even with adequate battery voltage.