What this symptom can mean.
A tick, rough idle and check-engine light are reasons to investigate, but they do not prove a failed lifter. Tell the shop about the sound and engine behavior together. If a warning flashes or the engine is shaking severely, stop safely and arrange assistance.
CHECK THE VEHICLE DETAILS
Manufacturer example: listed 2014–2018 Silverado applications with specified 5.3L L83 or 6.2L L86 engines. Confirm the exact vehicle and current service information.
The details that help.
When does the tick happen?
Describe whether it is present only at a cold start, continues when warm or changes with engine speed. A safe recording can help explain a sound, but do not run the engine just to capture a worsening problem.
How is the engine behaving?
Tell us about shaking, hesitation, stalling or a loss of response. Note whether a warning is steady or flashing and when it first appeared.
Which engine and what service history?
Provide the year and engine if known, along with recent oil service, repairs and any diagnostic report. If you do not know the engine code, the shop can discuss identifying the vehicle.
Where manufacturer guidance fits.
GM bulletin 15-06-01-002F, dated December 2017, describes a misfire or tick with P0300 on listed engine applications. It identifies possible AFM lifter and related mechanical concerns. Its scope is specific, and a symptom match alone is not enough to assign that repair to your Silverado.
Source reviewed October 28, 2026. Bulletins and coverage have specific vehicle limits; current applicability needs checking.
Repair information should narrow a diagnostic discussion, not replace it. A sound heard near the engine can be difficult to identify accurately from outside the vehicle, and a misfire code does not by itself determine the failed component.
Ask what findings support the proposed repair and whether further evaluation is needed. SVR offers engine, mechanical and electrical diagnosis in Spartanburg. If a previous shop has already investigated, bring the written findings and explain what changed after any work was performed.
Before you decide on a repair.
No. The cited bulletin documents a particular concern on specified applications. The actual source of a noise must be established.
A code gives useful information but is not a complete repair decision. Keep the report and discuss it alongside the symptoms and vehicle details.
Do not continue if the vehicle is unsafe, the warning flashes or the engine shakes severely. Stop safely, arrange assistance and discuss evaluation with the shop.
Explore the next step.
Engine & mechanical repair
A new noise, a leak, or a change in performance deserves a closer look. SVR offers engine and general mechanical repair in Spartanburg, with a conversation about the problem before you have to decide on the next step.
Electrical repair & vehicle diagnostics
A car that won’t start. A warning light that returns. An electrical problem that only happens sometimes. SVR helps Spartanburg drivers take the next step toward understanding what needs attention.
Understand the noise before choosing the repair.
Tell SVR about your engine, warning lights and when the tick appears. We’ll discuss the appropriate next step for your Silverado.