Clicking sound when car is running

Hello,

Quick background:
2016 prius 4 touring with 27000 miles on it. Someone backed into the front end about 6000 miles ago. Everything in front replaced with genuine Toyota parts. Mileage has been good (first summer driving was after accident so no baseline to compare).

Problem:
Today a ticking noise from under the hood on the passenger side started as i was driving home. Continuous as long as car is running, even when parked and gasoline engine off.
If i turn the car off, the noise dies down as if it were a loose fan.
When i turn the car back on the noise ramps up high then settles to a softer but continuous ticking.
When i open the hood, the noise is softer like it's under something. Definitely louder from inside the vehicle.

Anything i should look for or ask dealer and/or collision shop when i take it in? Does this sound like it could be dangerous to drive? Repair shops are about 20 miles away.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

 

The sound is present when the vehicle is on - both with and without the gasoline engine running.

 

Thanks. The sound is present when the vehicle is on - both with and without the gasoline engine running.

 

Thanks. I did not try turning off the climate control. The fan is set low (2 bars on display). The sound continues for a couple seconds after I turn the car off.

 

I will have to wait until i get home from work to try it. Used alternate transportation today.

 

Hey folks, you nailed it! Turned the ac fan off - noise stopped. Diagnosis - leaves in the fan. Still had to let them fix it, but really glad it wasn't a mechanical problem.

I like to think that i will only have to replace wear and tear items like tires and brakes over the life of the vehicle (at least 200k, for me) and I've been extra worried since the accident.

 

Update: it was a mouse!

 

Apparently, the emoticons don't work here?