death throe

noun[in the plural]3

1. •
   Struggle that is followed by death.
2. •
   The final movements or sounds, often erratic, of a living being as it dies.

   • In her death throes, she made a sound and reached outward.
3. •
   (figurative) The final actions or output of a machine or other object before it ceases to function.

   • As part of its death throes, the printer made a grinding sound and then never worked again.