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Ignition switch

Tiny
CHICAGOMAN88
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,600 MILES
I went to go start my 1996 Lincoln town car signature series and when I turned the key the stuck in the start position so I pulled it back and now it just rotates. Can't shut the car off with the key so I pull the fuel pump fuse and ground wire off battery. I can start the car if I put the ground and Fuse back on. Took cover off column and the switch with the rod is fine but the little plastic slider part that the starter switch rod fits in moves freely. Please help me someone.
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Thursday, December 31st, 2015 AT 8:27 PM

27 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
See pics for parts list. Some may come with other parts like included with ignition switch. Check at auto parts before you purchase they will let you do that.
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
CHICAGOMAN88
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks a lot
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
BRYANT RODRIGUEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 96 town car is doing the same. May I ask if you ever found the problem?
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Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 AT 6:08 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Unfortunately this post is over 3 years old so it is unlikely they will respond. However, why don't we get a new post started with all your specific info and what you have done to this point and we can get it figured out.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new
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Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
GARYSWEENEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
How do I replace the ignition lock cylinder on a 1994 Lincoln Town Car?
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Hello,

Here are diagrams to help you get started you will need to remove the steering wheel to access the ignition key. Check out the diagrams (Below) Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Cheers

(If this is wrong please tell us why in the vote tool below)
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAYMZ12
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I have a 95 Lincoln Town Car. 4.6 V8. 180, 00 miles. I went to start it recently and heard a snap like something broke when I turned the key. I can still start the car using the key, but when I do start it, the key doesn't pop back to the on position like normally anymore, and I can't kill the engine using the key anymore. It feels loose when turning the key from "on" to "acc". But it still locks in the off position. And now no matter what position the key is in or if the key's in the ignition at all, it always thinks the key is turned on. I tried replacing the lock cylinder and the ignition switch, but those didn't help. Could there be a metal tab or spring that broke somewhere? Any help would be appreciated.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
The ignition switch that you tried was it down on the steering collum like above the pedals?
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAYMZ12
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, it's behind the panels below the steering wheel. Here's a picture of it from the Napa website. The hole that the pin fits into moves back and forth easily. I don't know if that's normal or not. Thanks again.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/235026_Switch_1.jpg

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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
O.K. Now we got it. The rod that attaches to pin should only be able to move when key/tumbler is turned. There is a spring in switch that returns key from start to run. Can you move the pin and release it does it move back?
Operate the key while observing the switch does the rod move the pin?
When you install the switch key is off adj. Switch to off then turn key to start it should move far enough to depress spring and engage start then retun to run. If you can move rod then it must be disconnected from the tumbler. Remove and on the end you wiil see the lug that fits into the housing see if it is broken or rod is off. Some thing is wrong with switch or that rod.
Let me know
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAYMZ12
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
OK, hopefully this is it. Right behind the lock cylinder I can see this plastic square shaped rod that moves back and forth when the key is turned. The left part of that plastic piece is broken off. The ignition switch works. I can manually put the switch to the off position and turn it on using the key, but it won't move backward. Could that plastic piece be it. If so is it replaceable. Or does the steering column need to be replaced. Thanks again. (Hope this picture helps, it's the part with the yellow on it)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/235026_Lock_1.jpg

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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
O.K. That plastic piece is it it will push rod forward but not retract so car stays on. Dealer item and am not sure but I think you have to buy the collar that houses tumbler steering lock. Just got in from work give me till mid AM and I'll post what I find out.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SJEWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm having this same issue. Was it the actuators?
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PJ REYNOLDS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
I am looking for online pictures and information on how to replace the ignition key lock cyclinder in my 1995 lincoln towncar. I've been on the website before but can't remember the website. I thought that I had contacted you and you gave it to me. Please help
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
Look under the steering wheel there should be a small hole under the key cycinder put a small alen wrench in put be gentle push the pin and pull cylinder out slow so you can see just how new one goes in and insert new cylinder
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SJEWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Replacing the ignition lock did nothing for it and the issue is certainly mechanical, not electrical. Could be broken actuators, but I haven't pulled the steering column off yet to find out.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PJ REYNOLDS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Do I have to take upper and lower cover off the steering column or just the bottom to get to the cyclinder
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
You should not have to remove any of it there should be a small hole you just put allenwrench in to and you should feel a small bump push that bump and you can pull cylinder out and then you need to make sure you watch how cylender comes out and put new one in untill you hear a click then cylinder is locked in place and your done but if you have to take cover off all you should need to take off is the bottom
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PJ REYNOLDS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I changed the ignition key cylinder, and the gear shift still locks in park. If I step on the parking brake, turn the key to off, I can put it into neutral, start the car, and then put it into drive. I checked the fuse like the manuel said. It was ok. The gear shift just started to lock up in park. What can I do to correct this. It was easy changing the ignition cylinder with your help. Can you please help me to correct this?
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
Does this happen with the key in or out
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:25 PM (Merged)

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