86 El Dorado - Starting problem!

[Dudelin]

I've been looking all over the net trying to find info on my Cad. No luck till I found this site. I need to get my 86 going and moved stat. I'm what some would call a shadetree mech., but I know Murphy well (an he scares me!)<g>.
Someone moved the car last (year) and now when I turn the key there is nothing. No start of course, but no friction/positions like acc or run. It will lock the steering wheel, and the key turns around to start, but otherwise "loose".
I've jumped the car and nothing. No click etc. I guess the buzz I hear is the fuel pump going.
Anyway, can someone narrow this down for me as I'm confused as to which part is bad. The ignition lock/key? The switch part? Something else?
I'm also a bit confused as to how difficult these are to replace. I have photo- copied a page out of a Chilton manuel for guidance but am still somewhat leary of tearing into the steering wheel etc.
Hope someone can assist!!!

[DFBonnett]

Can you turn the headlights on while connected to the jumper vehicle? If so you are at least getting power and first guess would be a bad starter solenoid. Can you get under and give the solenoid a couple of sharp raps with a hammer?

[Dudelin]

Yes, I have lights although they have been kinda screwy for some time; difficult to turn off with switch. The starter. I tried to find it to do a voltage check but at the time was unsure where it is. At any rate, my first problem is the ignition switch. Next time I get the chance, I will try to see what will operate when I turn the switch to acc or run (with a jumper battery hooked up. BUT, I don't feel anything when I turn the ign switch. No friction in the key; no stops as you turn. Which part would cause that. I've heard that it could be the rack and pinion down towards the bottom of the steering wheel; I hope not!
There is a spring that returns the key to run after starting the car. Where is it? In the ignition/keyed portion? How about the electrical part.

I'm hoping that someone out there can get me on the right track on r/r these before I get lost unnecessarily in the steering wheel/column. Thanks!

[maxwedge]

The actual ign switch assy is at the bottom of the steering column, lots oflalrge wires going into it, easy to see.