Ignition switch stuck

Hello,

Here are the instructions and some diagrams (BELOW) to help you get the job done.

Disconnect the ignition battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in Starting and Charging.
Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement - Left in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.
Position the steering wheel half way between the upper and lower tilt stops (if necessary).
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
If equipped remove the manual tilt lever.
Remove the lower steering column trim cover retaining screws (4).
Disconnect the closeout shroud from the lower steering column trim cover.
Remove the upper steering column trim cover retaining screw (2).
Lift the upper steering column trim cover to gain access to the lock cylinder access hole.
Turn the ignition lock cylinder to the START position.
Using the bent tip awl, push down on the ignition lock cylinder retaining pin.
Release the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.
Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the lock module.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

You should not have to remove steering wheel to replace ignition switch, maybe just lower the column. Unless, you are talking about the ignition cylinder where you insert the key. If it is the cylinder, and you have removed the wheel, lockplate, and turn signal switch, there should be a bolt holding retaing it(it may have a torx type head. I have not seen the innards of a 78 column, I am just going on probability.

Re check your work. You either broke the prindle or did not hook it back up

Roy

Its the pass system (security system )
the key has a resister in it and if the alarm module dont read it then will not allow the starter to engage or the fuel injector open most common an open wire inside the tilt wheel area have the resister in the key measured and u can buy the same at radio shake and install it in the wiring under the steering column

this is the wiring diagram for the system notice the white wires .22 very small in diameter

read more about the system and how its work
help you understand the system

PASS KEY
Resistor sensing contacts are located in ignition key lock cylinder. These contact the key resistor pellet on the key when it is inserted. When the lock is rotated, battery voltage is applied through fuse No. 17 to the pass key decoder module. The pellet resistance is then compared against the resistance value stored in module.
If key pellet is the proper resistance, terminal A3 is grounded, energizing the starter enable relay. At the same time, a signal is applied at terminal A2 to enable the Electronic Control Module (ECM). When this signal is received by ECM, it allows fuel injector pulses to begin.
If the key resistor pellet is the wrong value, the Pass Key Decoder module will shut down for 2-4 minutes. During this interval there will be no output at terminals A2 or A3.
If ignition switch is turned on again during this interval, the timer will begin over again and pass key decoder module will remain shut for another 2-4 minutes. The pass key decoder module will continue this process even if a key with the correct pellet is used to turn ignition back on. The timer is restarted by the ignition voltage at terminal A1 when ignition switch is turned to RUN position.
Once timer has completed its 2-4 minute cycle with the ignition switch off, the pass key decoder module and timer are reset. A key having the correct resistor pellet can then be used to start engine.
The SECURITY indicator is controlled directly by the Pass Key Decoder module. If pass key is actively preventing the vehicle from starting, this indicator will be grounded by the Pass Key Decoder module with the ignition switch in RUN, BULB TEST or START. When ignition switch is first placed in RUN, BULB TEST or START, the indicator lights for about 2 seconds as a bulb check.

Try another key 1st

This is not a repair I would recommend for a novice mechanic. It is more difficult than it appears.

Also what year is the car, and ign exciter may be the prob?

This is very common with the tilt wheel
repair as needed

thank you !

Happy driving
and thank you !