MBHs2k

That's a sign of a TCT failure. Most people say they hear it only when the motor is warm or on warm starts and not cold. Mine would make a noise right at start up and then to away until the motor was warm.

eparra83

I thought what I had was a TCT failing issue but turned out to be the serpentine belt... mine was a repetitive squeaking noise. Like others say if the ticking goes away when its warm its probably the TCT going.

Billman250

Rule of thumb with TCT noise...if you can count the ticks out loud, the noise is too slow to be TCT.

R3AL-STATUS

How should I go about this? Any suggestion? I've done my fair share of wrenching so I would like to tackle this as soon as possible before it gets worse, considering it is my only vehicle.

Slowcrash_101

There are plenty of DIY's for fixing the TCT, basically you're sand blasting the inside of the piston and the worm gear so that the worm gear has more friction with the piston. The TCT ticking is caused by the piston retreating too far back into it's sleeve, and slapping the chain guide, this can cause obvious problems later on. A video or sound recording of the noise would make it easier to diagnose. These engines are notoriously noisy.