I’ve read over many threads on starting and ignition problems but can’t find a good description of my problem or fix. So I’ll do my best description in hopes the community can diagnose and recommend repair. If it happens again, I’ll post a video.

2004 NA 52k summer miles adult driven: I place the key in the ignition, turn the key till it stops. I wait for the chime to stop and all lights clear (force of habit with all my cars). Once the car has finished initializing, I turn key to start. Now, here’s where it gets weird. I’ve never had this happen with any car I’ve ever owned:

The starter(?) continues to attempt to start the engine. The engine does not fire and the starter(?) continues with its purpose to start the engine until I turn the key back to the off position. ….I’ll clarify here, it continues. Like, does not stop. I can take my hand off the key while in the ignition and it continues. After waiting some time with the key out and a few attempts later, it starts the engine and I’m on my way as if nothing happened.

What is going on? Any ideas? So weird.

It’s happened 2x now this week and is the first time I’ve experienced this. No known issues reported from prior owner of 13 years.