1997 Peterbilt 379 clicking sound while driving

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Mchavez303, Sep 15, 2026.

  1. Mchavez303

    Mchavez303 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 8, 2021
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    Hey guys, I got a 1997 Peterbilt 379 with a 3406e model CAT. While driving over about 20mph I hear a click sound coming from somewhere in the cab on the driver side as if it would be like a circuit breaker or relay. But I checked all fuses and relays and everything checks out and also checked each ground that I know of. I really don’t know what could it be at this point, tried checking anything behind the dash panels and everything looks good too. Wondering if there’s anybody else that has had this issue or point me in the right direction for this. The only thing I’ve done to the truck recently is pull the stock steering wheel and out an aftermarket one on but to eliminate that I even put the old steering wheel back on.
     
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  3. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    I owned a 2000 379 Peterbilt for a long time. I can't think of what it could be of of the top of my head. If it was a circuit breaker or relay it would be really hot from constantly tripping. Cab noises are really hard to find, especially in older trucks. Outside noises sometimes sound like they are inside the cab.
     
  4. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Does the frequency of the clicking sound increase as mph increases, or is it steady?
     
  5. Mchavez303

    Mchavez303 Bobtail Member

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    I’ll go through the truck again today while working, so if a relay is really hot, should I lean towards that relay being the issue?
     
  6. Mchavez303

    Mchavez303 Bobtail Member

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    it’s just a one click that happens every minute or two. Same click while driving and can’t get it to click while I’m at a full stop to really try to pinpoint it from where it’s coming from.
     
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    I mentioned the relay because you mentioned a clicking sound. Older trucks have noises in the cab. They can be really hard to find as noise travels.
     
  8. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Try taking all the plastic and the door off of the fuse box. See if the noise is louder, maybe then you will know if it is coming from the fuse box.
     
  9. Mchavez303

    Mchavez303 Bobtail Member

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    I’ll have to try that out forsure tonight while working, thank you!
     
  10. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I can't imagine anyone hearing a relay clicking at the floor of a 379. But, maybe the A/C clutch relay, or fan relay. Maybe the A/C is low and cycling frequently.
     
  11. Mchavez303

    Mchavez303 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 8, 2021
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    That is something I read somewhere else, should I fill it up with refrigerant and see what it does or maybe replacing the A/C clutch relay? I’ve actually never used the A/C im always with the windows down. I barely have a little over a month with the truck
     
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