Clicking noise from passenger side of car

I have a 2000 Ford Contour. Recently I hear a clicking/ticking noise from the passenger side of the car around the dash area or behind the dash area. At first it was not consistent with every time the car is on but is becoming more frequent.The clicking/ticking sound continues for a short time even when the car is turned off. It is not a knocking type sound (I did check the oil just in case) but more like a click. Acceleration or turning does not seem to have any affect on the noise. Any ideas?