Great job finding why the fan wouldn't work. Sorry we weren't more helpful!

In my opinion, you will need to budget and schedule a new ignition tumbler, since it sounds like the start return spring is getting weak.

I had an Audi that broke this spring, and I had to return the key to Run from Start, or the starter stayed engaged. It was no big deal at first, but that game got old really soon. So, the first chance I had, with $$$ in hand, I had it replaced, and never looked back.

Best Regards,
Jim