1989 Dakota Ignition Switch Problems

1989 Dakota PU

I got home the other day and went to turn off my truck and the key switch moved back and forth with nothing happening. There was no spring back from the start position to the "On" position in the switch. I have removed the steering wheel, more or less gutted the steering column, and removed the key switch. It seems to be ok. I bought a replacement but it doesn't have a spring back either. I am trying to figure out how the key switch "talks" to the ignition switch. There doesn't seem to be any electrical connections between the key switch and the ignition switch.
There is a rod that runs from the steering wheel locking mechanism that the book calls the "ignition switch rod" or "ignition switch actuator rod" that is broken but I can't find anything on the ignition switch that would allow for a rod to control it.

With just the ignition switch plugged in, and the battery in place, the oil lamp as well as others are on telling me the ignition switch is still activated.

Is the switch bad? What is the actuator rod for?

I have a 5 speed manual, no tilt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Their is a rod on the steering column between the key switch and the ignition switch. The switch has the spring. Go to napa or bumper to bumper and buy a new ignition switch. Be careful and install it on the same marks as the old switch or you will have to adjust. They have two bolts to hold them on with.
Check the bolts in the box if you don't have a tool buy two new bolts. You may have to use small channel locks to remove.

Thanks for your reply rhandwor.

I have looked at the switch but don't see any place that a rod would hook into it. It looks like a big relay. Does a new switch come with a new rod?

I called a Dodge dealer parts guy and he couldn't make heads or tails out of the blow-up that was in the manual either. He said a new rod was going for $70+.

Thanks again for your help.

The rod is close to the column only about 1/4 inch up. The switch has two small bolts holding it on they are designed to only tighten and the new ones are tamper prof torx. You use a small channel locks and remove it. The switchs used to only be around $20 at at bumper to bumper. Anyway you slide the switch down the column. Put the new one in and push up until it sits the same place as the original. Use the two new bolts I told you to get and install it.
I used to have a shop before I retired and the only bent rods I found were when some body stole the vehicle used a hammer broke the column and bent the rod to get their hands on it.
I have had to move the seat all the way back and remove the two bolts on the bottom of the column to drop it down. Disconnect the battery neg. first.
Use a flashlight and look the switch is metal bottom and a plastic top. Go to a parts store look at one even if you buy from a dealer. This way you are sure what you are looking for. If you have any more problems send me a private e-mail.
Haynes 1987 thru 1993 has a picture on 12 - 13 of the rod and where the ignition switch is located I think you are looking at an air bag relay. The switch are about 3/4 inch wide about 1 1/2 high and about 2 1/2 inchs long.
Http://www.ebay.com/ Have some dodge ignition switchs for sale a delco for $6.99 and mopar for $16.99 look at the picture. A cover is over the switch. It looks like just past bracket.