1998 Mercury Sable Ignition Switch

BRAVESTAR1

MECHANIC
1998 MERCURY SABLE
3.0L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

I had to take the Steering column down in order to work behind the dash to replace the blend door. The Steering column was removed, almost completely.

I have 2 questions. Upon re installation, I found that the key wouldn't come out of the ignition switch, but the switch would turn to the start position. I could wiggle it back and forth easily without difficulty but the key wouldn't come out. Eventually with a little hammering I got the key out, but now the switch turns without the key. No I haven't tried just putting the key back in. Is this something I can fix, is it just out of alignment?

Also there was a metal bar shaped in a U that went underneath the steering column, but I can't figure out what its purpose is, and where it's supposed to go so it's in the proper position.

5 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

U WIL LNEED TO LOOSEN THE IGNIITION SWITCH AAND TURN THE KEY UNTIL IT COMES OUT. THEN RESECURE THE SWICH.

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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 11:34 AM

BRAVESTAR1

MECHANIC
234 POSTS

It turned out that somehow the back part of the ignition, where it connects to the main wire that connects to the transmission neutral safety switch had disconnected from the main harness on the steering column. I had to push (hard) that cable back into it's bracket on top of the column in order to allow me to be able to turn the key back to the OFF position. Having this cable screwed up like it was, also prevented the PARK shifter from disengaging, and allowed the shifter to move freely.

In all of this, I broke the Clock Spring, by allowing the steering wheel to move freely with the column disconnected. If anyone else reads this, I implore you to use duct tape to secure the steering wheel to the inner column so it can't turn. A Clock Spring is no fun to replace, and without it, your cruise control, horn, dash lights for nighttime driving, and something else won't work.