I need the lists help in a problem that just started with my 1991 240 wagon that has only 110K miles.

My wife called me and said the car would not start. When she turned the key to start the car the starter did not engage. The odd thing about this was she heard a "whirling fan noise" from the engine comparment. I asked her to look under at the engine to see if the cooling fan was running which it was not. The fan noise stayed on no matter what position the key was in and even when it was removed from the ignition. All the ignition lights activated when the key was turned.

I suggested she disconnet the battery (still have the original tools that came with the car). After she did this the noise went away. She hooked up the battery and the car started right up. What would be your best guess - old worn out ignition switch or bad relay some place or ??? Any help that you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Al
1991 240 wagon
1996 850 turbo