Don't be thinking about the whole steering column. That's like replacing the engine because it needs a tune-up. What might have happened is the cam on the end of the lock cylinder has cracked. That is somewhat common but it normally causes a no-crank condition because it won't turn the switch far enough. It's possible that broken cam is jammed and holding the switch, but an even more likely suspect is the switch itself. Sometimes the contacts overheat. It's possible a part of the plastic housing melted and is holding the contacts together.
Remove the covers behind the steering wheel, then unplug the connector from the ignition switch to see if the starter stops cranking.
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 3:12 AM