just when you thought it was safe, more on EEK! ignition is stuck

[Tessie McMillan]

I should have paid attention to my 'fey' feeling...

After reassembling the ignition, dash cluster, and steering column 
switches (I'm getting really tired of loctite) and then trying to test the 
new ignition switch, I discovered the switch was still broken. With the 
new switch, at least it is broken in the OFF position, and not the ON 
position. I think it is the lock cylinder (metal piece) that is broken as 
well. Wylie, you said to look for this, and you were right.

I have to admit that we (used my BF's better eyes) looked for broken 
pieces of cylinder, but did not find any until disassembling for the 
second time; my BF spotted the small piece of metal deep inside the dash, 
stuck tucked into the insulation. 

The question now is how to get that cylinder out. Do I need to remove the 
entire dash, for crying out loud? The cylinder appears to be attached to 
the steering column with a star-patterned screw with a hole in the 
center. 

Have you all BTDT'd this one, too? Could use suggestions.

I think I now know why all my mechanic friends drink quite a lot ...

Tess
in Bellevue, WA USA