My brother owns a 97 Stratus. Over the past year he has owned it, he's had frequent electrical problems (like most posts here it keeps blowing a fuse when he tries to start it (no idea which one), but that problem magically just stopped on it's own last summer). The latest problem that it had is when he would start the car, it would start - but the starter would keep cranking trying to start the engine. Even if the key was turned to the "OFF" position, the car would still try to start continuously. For awhile he ignored the problem, because after 5 or 6 cranks it would stop and run normally. Today, he started his car and it did the same thing - but this time it had no remorse and did not stop. He tried to disconnect the battery, but it was too late. Smoke started to build from the engine area and eventually the starter slowed steadily to the beat of one last "click." The fire department was called and they arrived just as it had stopped working (and smoking). They disconnected the battery just in case, although I know it's over kill and probably was calling the fire department, but better safe than sorry. Does anyone have any idea why this posessed car would do such a thing? Thanks!

my car did the same thing i was told on those cars when the starter go out sometimes they do that

The starter has a bendix that retracts the starter. when they start going bad take the starter to a rebuild shop for repair.