Ranger ignition switch problems

hi I hope someone can help me, I have 91 Ranger and I can't figure out this problem this is the first fuel injection/ computer car I've had and Ive been working on it off and on It started off by not turning over but I was able to push start it and then use the old screw-driver trick on the solinoid . I have replaced the battery, starter, solinoid (twice) clutchsafety switch the ignitionswitch. I can't figure out how the ignition switch works,it has a wire that is hot all the time and seems to power the chime that lets you know the key is in, both the old and new switch don't 'spring -back' from the start position the dash stays dead. Ive always worked on my own cars and I've never seen a switch that didn't have wires . In fact I'd be happy if Icould hot-wire it just to see what the problem really is This problem started intermitently,then worked by jump-starting and now nothing Thanks for any help