94 Ford Escort IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS

1994 Escort LX: Last night I returned home and the car ran fine. I went to crank it 20 mins later to run to the store. I put the key in and turned it to the first "Click" as I always do, the panel lights came on, radio, seat belt ingaged, etc. Then I turned to crank it and nothing...It felt like there were no tumblers there, just empty. I then turned the key back and removed it and all my panel lights radio lights, etc. were still on. I did this several times and they stayed on. I had no lights to disconnect the battery so it died overnight, no problem I can get a jump. I've been told it may be the relay, fuse, needs graphite, etc. but the way the key moves in the switch just feels not right. I did try my spare key as well. If the switch is the problem how hard is it to replace.

Thanks so much for this forum and any help would be greatly appreciated...

Paul

Ok, just took off the switch located on the left side of the steering wheel. I looked at the switch and there was a piece of metal broke off in the switch slot. The other piece is still attached to the ignition inside the housing. So basically I need to remove the key portion inside the housing and replace that. How do you remove the part inside the housing that runs to the key hole. Or do I need to replace the whole housing. Is there a special tool I need?

Thanks for any help...

I don't know the answer but if it were me I'd consider mounting a couple of toggle switches. One for ignition and a spring-loaded one for the starter.:2cents:

I have an escort with the same problem. What did you have to take off to fix this?

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=942821&highlight=Ignition

That describes my experience in detail.
Simple fix that didn't involve replacing anything on the car itself.