Ignition Switch Tumbler Problem?

[bmenzing]

I went to start my old reliable '94 Escort (170k, 1.9 L,5 speed) this morning. When I turned the key, nothing happened. When I turned the key back to the off position, the dummy lights on the dash remained lit. It was as though the key was still in the "on" position. The key moves through lock, off, start, acc, on without issue, and can be removed. The steering wheel locks properly when the key is in the off position. However, I notice that the key moves much to freely through the acc, on, and start positions, as if something inside the tumbler may have broken or come loose. It appears that I will have to replace the ignition switch/tumbler assembly (same assembly for 94 & 95). Before proceeding, I thought I'd ask for input on this problem - can anyone help? Fortunately, this happened in my driveway.

[mightymoose_22]

Certainly sounds like an ignition switch problem.
Remove the wires from the switch and hotwire it to start... easiest way to tell if it is the switch or not.

[KimMG]

The ignition switch is turned by the tumbler. Tumblers rarely go bad, but the ignition switch failing is a common problem.

[Weasel14242]

I have a 95 1.9 5 speed, and the same thing happened to me(luckily in my driveway as well), except my dummy lights on the dash never lit up, the fuel pump never turned on, etc. It deffinately sounds like a ignition switch. It was very simple to change.

[bmenzing]

The problem was tumbler related. A metal shaft that runs through the tumbler and into the ignition switch snapped. Had to replace the whole ignition switch tumbler assembly (about $73.00). Because of the way it was installed at the factory, I had to cut the assembly off of the steering wheel column. Time consuming, but not too difficult of a repair.