Type_O_Negative_1320

This just started yesterday...I'm not sure what caused it, but it's pissing me off. When I go to start the car, the key refuses to go into the start, run, or accessory positions. Wiggling the steering wheel and jiggling the key back and forth *sometimes* fixes it, but other times it's just luck of the draw getting it to work. Needless to say, this is rather annoying...it took me 10 minutes this morning to get the damn thing to start.

One other thing worth mentioning is that sometimes when I manage to get it into the run position (I key it up first to let the fuel pump pressurize the lines, then start it), it doesn't want to stay in the run position...as soon I take my hand of the key, it cuts off again. It almost seems like the key positions aren't matching up with the switch positions. If I turn it back to off, then back to run, it usually starts working again.

Is there anything simple I can look at to figure out what's going on with it? I read something about the park lock cable...think that might be the problem?

shoebox

The ignition switch mounting might be loose or switch getting hosed up inside (and might need to be replaced).

Type_O_Negative_1320

You were exactly right as always. I pulled the ignition switch out and disassembled it...one of the springs that holds the contacts in place had popped out and sheared in half, which caused the sliding part to jam. Got a new one from AutoZone for $20 and all is well again.

EDIT: BTW, what the heck is the thing that is mounted underneath and to the left of the ignition switch? There's another rod that goes down the left side of the steering column and rests against it, and it has a white "clicker" button on it, but I couldn't figure out what it's supposed to be.

EDIT AGAIN: Crap, it looks like it's the high beam switch for the headlights. I hope it still works 'cause I don't want to get back in there and screw with it.