Is it possible for a car to cut out while running if the starter is going out?

SHEIGO

MEMBER
2000 BUICK REGAL
150,000 MILES

The car started fine and I drove about half a mile. When I was coming to a stop the car made a strange noise and cut out. I tried to start the car and it made a sound like a bad starter. I waited a few minutes and tried again. The car started, but it wasn't a normal start. It was like it barely caught. When I got it home I cut it off and tried to start it again and I got the same sound of a bad starter. Later the car started fine, but it doesn't start like it normally does. I suspect a bad starter, but the fact that the car shut down on the road has me wondering if this is possible with a bad starter.

Friday, May 4th, 2012 AT 3:42 AM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,093 POSTS

Stalling is not related to the starter unless something really weird is happening like it's staying engaged and dragging. All starter motors have an "over-running clutch" that allows the engine to run without spinning the starter faster if it doesn't disengage.

You might want to check the charging system to be sure the battery is being fully charged while driving. If it's low the starter will crank the engine slowly.

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Friday, May 4th, 2012 AT 3:52 AM