I started the 1999 ES 300 and it started with a weird noise after which I turned the car off. I turn the key to the off position but the engine stayed running with all the accessories even the AC running all the while still making the noise. I turn the key to the start position and the noise stops. I then turn the key to the off position and the engine cuts off. What could’ve possibly happened during the initial start that caused all this?

 

Does your car have a remote start system installed?

 

No remote start installed. I looked online as to what it could be and it mentioned the remote start problem along with dieseling among other things but my situation doesn’t meet the criteria for those problems.

 

I don't know what else it could be, back in the old days think cars from the 70's sometimes the ignition switch (the electrical part) would go bad and this would happen don't recall seeing it on an ES. Rodent damage? Water damage?

What do you mean by this
You mean normal sounds you hear with the engine running?

 

The noise that was made upon initially starting the car sounded like a metal on metal faint grinding sound which was audible until I turned the key to start that’s when that noise stopped and I could hear the normal sounds from the engine.

 

Ah, it could be the starter motor is getting stuck.

 

Did it happen just once?

 

So far it’s only been once I haven’t attempted another start.

 

•••UPDATE•••

Whatever happened didn’t affect the start the following morning or any subsequent day after. Thanks for the replies and let’s continue to “Experience Amazing”

 

My experience with Starter (About 120K miles): The contacts wear out and one day the starter plunger got stuck and when I started the car, it turned on but the starter kept on trying to start. It was loud and scary, I immediately disconnected the battery or looked like there would have been fire. Got the contacts changed and all good since then.

 

Glad it hasn’t happened again, but it did get me thinking... Some people have the habit of using their car key fob in a way that can have an adverse effect on ignition switches. I can’t recall how many people I’ve seen with dozens of other keys attached and tools and other extraneous BS swinging along. “Weighty” car keys dangling can in fact cause ignition switch failures and/or one-time unexplained failures such as yours. If this is your problem (too much key fob junk), consider reducing the clutter to car and house keys only and put the other stuff on a separate ring. It will pay off in the long run.