My Taurus will not turn off
My son calls and says the key turns back from rum but does not turn off. It will still engage the starter motor if you try.
I stopped and picked up a ignition lock to install at home. I finally got the lock out while the car is still running and pop in the new one. Still will not turn off. Then the car overheats, coolant everwhere. Get the hose to try and cool it down a little. Break down and pull the distributor wire and the negative cable.
Any thoughts?

Sounds like maybe an ignition switch issue (not the ignition key cylinder).

I don't understand your comment that if you turn the key back from "Run" the engine won't turn off, but instead the starter motor will engage. Is that interpretation accurate, or mixing two thoughts?

-Rod

The key will go backwards friom run to turn off but nothing happens. It will go into the three spots without any change ie still running. The three are run, off and acc. But if you turn to the 4th position ie start, it will engage the starter even thought it is running.
I just took the cover off the steering column along with the ignition switch module (the one with the wiring). There is a pin on this switch which goes into a plastic rod. This plastic square rod has a hole for the pin and is controlled by the key. It is broke in two. So the key can push it forward engaging the starter but is unable to pull the pin back to turn off the car.
I then removed the steering wheel but cannot figure out how to get the plastic rod out. I am hoping to just replace the rod.
Anybody know how to do this without replacing the steering column?
Thanks
Steve

I'm not familiar with your vehicle (I'm in the UK) but I have a Ford manual for the '95 Fords, and this is the procedure given for removal and installation of the '95 Taurus ignition switch. Unusually, there is no illustration so I presume it must be a fairly straightforward process.

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Ignition Switch


Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove the upper steering column shroud by removing the four or five self-tapping screws. Remove tilt steering column lock lever (if equipped).

2. Remove lower steering column shroud.

3. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.

4. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.

5. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch.

6. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.

Installation

NOTE:
A new replacement ignition switch assembly will be set in the RUN position as received.

1. Adjust the ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the ignition switch RUN position.

2. Check to ensure that the ignition switch lock cylinder is in the RUN position. The RUN position is achieved by rotating the ignition switch lock cylinder approximately 90 degrees from the LOCK position.

3. Install the ignition switch pin into the actuator. It may be necessary to move the ignition switch slightly back and forth to align the ignition switch mounting holes with the lock cylinder housing threaded holes.

4. Install retaining screws. Tighten to 5.6-7.9 N-m (50-69 lb-in).

5. Connect electrical connector to ignition switch.

6. Connect battery ground cable. Check ignition switch for proper function, including START and ACC positions. Also, make certain that the column is in the LOCK position.

7. Install lower steering column shroud.

8. Install the upper steering column shroud and tilt steering column lock lever (if equipped).

================================

I found some further information in a different section of the manual:

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Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder


Lock Cylinder, Functional


Removal

1. The following procedure applies to vehicles that have a functional ignition switch lock cylinder. Lock cylinder keys are available for these vehicles, or the lock cylinder key numbers are known and the proper key can be made. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. Turn ignition switch lock cylinder to RUN position.

3. Place a 3.17 mm (1/8 inch) diameter wire pin or small drift punch in hole in upper steering column shroud under ignition switch lock cylinder. Depress retaining pin while pulling out on ignition switch lock cylinder to remove it from steering column tube flange.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7504/taurusbm8.png


Installation

1. Install ignition switch lock cylinder by turning it to RUN position and depressing retaining pin. Insert ignition switch lock cylinder into steering column tube flange. Make sure ignition switch lock cylinder is fully seated and aligned in interlocking washer before turning key to OFF position. This will permit cylinder retaining pin to extend into ignition switch lock cylinder housing hole.

2. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder, using ignition switch lock cylinder key, to ensure correct mechanical operation in all positions.

3. Connect battery ground cable.


Lock Cylinder, Non-Functional


Removal

1. The following procedure applies to vehicles in which the ignition lock is inoperative and the ignition switch lock cylinder cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken ignition switch key, unknown key number, or an ignition switch cap that has been damaged and/or broken to the extent that the key cannot be rotated. Disconnect battery ground cable.

2. Remove steering wheel.

3. Using channel-lock pliers or vise-grip-type pliers, twist ignition switch cap until it separates from ignition switch lock cylinder.

4. Using a 3/8-inch diameter drill, drill down middle of key slot approximately 44 mm (1-3/4 inch) until ignition switch lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove lock cylinder and drill shavings from steering column tube flange.

5. Remove steering column upper bearing retainer (3C610), washer, ignition switch lock cylinder and steering column lock gear. Thoroughly clean all drill shavings and other foreign materials from casting.

6. Carefully inspect steering column tube flange for damage from the above operation. If damage is apparent, steering column tube flange must be replaced.


Installation

1. Replace steering column tube flange, if damaged.

2. Install steering column lock gear and ignition switch lock cylinder as outlined.

3. Install trim and electrical parts.

4. Install new ignition switch lock cylinder as outlined.

5. Install steering wheel as outlined.

6. Check ignition switch lock cylinder operation.

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Selectron
The problem is not removing the ignition switch but the linkage rod that the switch controls. Even with the ignition switch out I cannot slide the linkage out of the housing.
Do show anything on how to remove the linkage? It seems to be a square plastic rod that is controlled by the part the very end part of the switch.
Thanks for the help so far.

Unfortunately, it doesn't go into any further detail. There is a brief reference to a 'pin' in the Ignition Switch - Description section. I don't think it will be any help, but this is what it says:

==============================
Ignition Switch

The ignition switch, which is mounted on the steering actuator housing, operates in the following manner:
The ignition switch is cycled through rotation of the ignition switch lock cylinder through a pin which is part of the ignition switch.
The ignition switch lock cylinder also controls the mechanism which provides a positive lock for the automatic transaxle linkage and the steering system.
The locking mechanism is located in the steering column housing.==============================

From the service manual, it appears they refer to that as the steering column lock lever actuator. If you'd like me to send you the service manual steps that appear to cover that, send me a Private Message with an e-mail address for you that can accept PDF attachments as well as your request.

-Rod