Ticking Sound From Steering Column / Battery Light Coming On

[swam]

Hi,

I have a ford fiesta finesse from 2003. Recently it has developed an issue with a ticking / clicking noise coming from the steering column. The sound seems to come from where my knees would sit, and then the battery light will come on.

This happened first on a long journey at night. The ticking began and the lights would flicker a bit. After a bit of a drive the battery would seemingly charge back up, but the ticking would continue and then drain the battery again (I assume).

Every so often the airbag light will come on for a second or two, but then turn off again. Last time using the car, the ticking seemed to gather pace when I accelerated (if that helps)

I'm of the thinking that a relay/switch etc is tripping and causing the battery problems?. Any ideas as to what the issue might be?

thanks for your time.

cheers

Sam

[Nathan_M]

I would have a look under there for any kind of loose connections it sounds like something arching maybe, is there any smell or anything?

[swam]

I would have a look under there for any kind of loose connections it sounds like something arching maybe, is there any smell or anything?

No smell of any kind, and the 'ticking' only seems to occur when the car is moving. If I start the car up and idle, it doesn't occur.

There isn't much I can see steering column wise due to the covering.

[Nathan_M]

If you put your head right underneath you can see up there i have been up there before, i take it the lights were on at the time, wipers or anything else?