EEK! Ignition is stuck and car willna' start

[Tessie McMillan]

This is my '88 80Q. For 2 days the ignition has been acting up; when I 
turn the key there is a very extended pause and then the car decides 
to start. This seemed to be temperature-related, but as it only happened 3 
times out of about 9 starts, I wasn't positive.

This morning my BF tried to start the car to move her and his experience 
was that the ignition got stuck in the ON position -- all dash lights 
flashing and such. Disconnecting the battery did not reset this. Trying to 
heat things up with a hair dryer didn't help either; so much for my 
temperature-related idea.

Before I panic, can anyone give me some suggestions as to where to start 
troubleshooting? I don't know anything about how an ignition works; if 
it's multiple parts/pieces/fuses involved, etc.

Suggestions greatly appreciated!

Tess
in Bellevue, WA USA