Q: For what reason is my car grinding and forcing itself to turn off at low RPM's?

asked by on January 07, 2017

My car started to make a grinding noise, then would only turn on just to shut off (being at 4-600 RPM's), and then it would crank, then click click click. Nothing after that.

My car has 135 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. The battery could be low on a charge. Check the voltage of the battery and if it’s lower than 12.4 volts it will need to charged or replaced. for the grinding noise that you are hearing, either the noise is the starter trying to engage with the battery at a low charge state or there is an issue with your transmission. For the noise inspection, I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you determine the cause.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Door handle not working from outside
A common failure for your vehicle is that the outside door handle will break. When this happens, the door will not open from the outside, as you are describing. I would ask for assistance from one of the mechanics at...
Car has low power
Hello. The most common cause of this is low fuel pressure caused by a dirty fuel filter. If that has not been replaced recently, then I would typically start with that. I would also scan the computer for codes to...
Should tensioner be changed with the serpentine belt replacement
Of course, it is a good idea to be safe, but then again, it also depends on your vehicle. I've seen some Toyotas and Hondas that had the original tensioner with around 200,000 miles and they still work fine. So,...
Interchangeable parts
I believe you can as long as the brackets are the same. If you want to make sure you have the same brackets before you unhook your seat. You should be able to check under the seats and measure them....
The truck is from Georgia which doesn't have smog control. In California it won't pass smog. It has a new motor and transmission.
Hi, the blue-grey smoke you mention is your engine burning oil, probably due to worn piston rings or valve guides and seals. This is expected from an engine with 300K miles on it. Unfortunately for you, California has pretty stringent...
Car won't start - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
The engine requires spark, air, and fuel to start and run. If spark or fuel aren't present, it will not start. If the fuel pump was replaced for being faulty, the presence of fuel should be checked for first. If...
My Acura TL 1999 has a idling problem. It idles high to low. And it takes a while for the gears to switch when I'm reversing and in drive.
For the idle condition, check the (IAC) Idle Air Control Valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) and see if its plugged up. You can take it off and clean it and then put it back on. If the idle continues to be irreratic, then...
Car starts but won't stay on unless pressing on the gas no engine light on
The engine is stalling and that could be due to a faulty idle air control valve, mass air flow sensor, a vacuum leak or a myriad of other causes. Mechanical causes of such stalling include valve timing and valve condition...
My 2002 Nissan Altima seems to have a power steering fluid leak somewhere. I am constantly having to add fluid, and have noticed t
Hello, thank you for writing in. You are on the right track. The power steering pump is a very common place to develop leaks. Hoses, lines, the rack, and the gear box are also common places you will find a...

Related articles

What Is Key-Off Battery Drain?
Many Many things in your car continue to work even after your vehicle is turned off – radio presets, security alarms, emissions computers and clocks are just a few. They continue to draw power from your car battery, and the...
How Can I Tell If My Car Battery Needs Replacing?
There There are few things more frightening than hearing buzzing or clicking from your car when you’re trying to start it. It could mean any number of things, but chances are that it means you have a faulty car battery....
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Windy Area
If If you live in a windy area, one of the most important things you’re going to be looking for in a used vehicle is the ability to remain stable on the road on even the most blustery days. That...