Could be ECU problem. The death tick apparenly is a clicking noise that comes from the ecu when it is dying or dead(?). I'd say tell him to pull the ECU, and check to see if the ECU capacators are leaking. That is a common problem on 1Gs as they age. The capacators leak battery acid onto the board, and in some cases, it eats right through it. And that obviously isnt good
So keep it simple, and just check the ECU.