1998 Mercury Sable Ignition Switch

1998 MERCURY SABLE
200,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BRAVESTAR1
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I had to replace the blend door which necessitated removal of the steering column and dash.

Upon re-installation of the steering column I found 2 problems. There is a U shaped metal bracket, that I have no idea what it's for, nor where it's supposed to go. I may have to visit the junk yard to see where that goes, but if you have a clue, I'd appreciate it.

The main problem is, when I went to take the key out, it was stuck. I could turn the ignition to on and off, and into start mode, but couldn't turn it into accessory mode. I whacked a little on the top of the already open ignition area, and was able to pull the key out. I can stick the key in, and use it as normal, but I can also just turn the key switch, without the key in it. In either case, "key in or out" I can't turn to accessory mode. Is this something that I can fix? I do not want to replace the key module and have it programmed.

I'm not sure if the car starts or what other problems it has. I'm not quite ready to install everything on the other side just yet. Need to figure out where the yellow main cable hooks up to the Main Fuse box too.
Jul 2, 2015 at 12:05 PM
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CADIEMAN
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Leave the switch loose. Adjust the switch to the assy posittion. Then. Tighten the switch. This will let the swatch go from assy. To start with no problem
Jul 3, 2015 at 9:05 AM
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BRAVESTAR1
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I was toodling with it, and it seemed to turn off the "door chime" as I toodled with it.
Jul 3, 2015 at 9:38 AM
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BRAVESTAR1
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Any idea, under the dash, where the metal U goes?
Jul 3, 2015 at 9:39 AM
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CADIEMAN
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Jul 3, 2015 at 5:16 PM
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CADIEMAN
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i'mthinking under the dash but i'm not sure.u wlll need a junk yard
Jul 3, 2015 at 5:25 PM
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BRAVESTAR1
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I pulled the switch out and put it back in several times. I even removed the Door Chime clip in case that was screwed up.

But no, if I take the whole thing out, I cannot turn the key to the accessory position.

With the cylinder outside of the car, I can move the key freely in and out of the cylinder, and unfortunately pull it out whenever. I can also turn it to the locked position, accessory and keep the cylinder locked without a key inside.

But when it's in the column, I can only turn it to OFF, RUN, & Start. It will not turn back further. Something is goofed up in the column I'm thinking.
Jul 8, 2015 at 1:22 PM