1998 Mercury Sable Ignition Switch

I had to replace the blend door which necessitated removal of the steering column and dash.

Upon re-installation of the steering column I found 2 problems. There is a U shaped metal bracket, that I have no idea what it's for, nor where it's supposed to go. I may have to visit the junk yard to see where that goes, but if you have a clue, I'd appreciate it.

The main problem is, when I went to take the key out, it was stuck. I could turn the ignition to on and off, and into start mode, but couldn't turn it into accessory mode. I whacked a little on the top of the already open ignition area, and was able to pull the key out. I can stick the key in, and use it as normal, but I can also just turn the key switch, without the key in it. In either case, "key in or out" I can't turn to accessory mode. Is this something that I can fix? I do not want to replace the key module and have it programmed.

I'm not sure if the car starts or what other problems it has. I'm not quite ready to install everything on the other side just yet. Need to figure out where the yellow main cable hooks up to the Main Fuse box too.