Key Out, Vehicle Keeps Running!!!

[Bulldog Brewer]

My wife parked the van and turned the key off but the van keeps running. The key even comes out of the ignition and it is still running. When the key is off/out, radio etc will not work, which is correct, but the engine will still run. When in park, all the transmiision positions are lit up with squares around them, and it seems to shift into another position a little harder, and takes a couple of seconds for the indicator light to come on around that letter. I pulled the fuel pump fuse to stop the vehicle. If I put it back in it starts up as soon as I insert the fuse. Any thoughts would be appreciated before I look at. The van is a Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.3 litre.

Thank-You

Bulldog

[jawss]

You forgot to mention the year of your van. Hopefully, for my suggestion, it wont matter. Take the cowling off around the steering column, just behind the steering wheel. Three or four screws is all. This will open up the ignition switch and wiring. The problem may be your ignition key cylinder ot the electrical switch attached to the end of it. Im guessing its the electrical part. If your van is 96 or newer, you will see a black plastic "box" at the opposite end of where your key goes in, the left side of the column. To the rear, there are 3 wiring harnesses going into it, a small one, a bigger one and a nother small one tucked on the inside. Despite what year your van is, there will be one wiring harness with larger than usual wiring. A yellow wire should definitely be there. Unhook it and then put the fuel pump fuse/relay back in. The van should not start. If it does, then your problem is more than likely under the hood. If it doesnt start then your problem is in your ignition switch. Check the wiring for any burnt or deformed areas. You can most likely find a replacement part at a local junk yard. Good luck!