Ignition switch

see pics for parts list....... some may come with other parts like included with ignition switch. check at auto parts before you purchase they will let you do that.

Thanks a lot

My 96 town car is doing the same. May I ask if you ever found the problem ?

Unfortunately this post is over 3 years old so it is unlikely they will respond. However, why don't we get a new post started with all your specific info and what you have done to this point and we can get it figured out.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

How do I replace the ignition lock cylinder on a 1994 Lincoln Town Car?

Hello,

Here are diagrams to help you get started you will need to remove the steering wheel to access the ignition key. Check out the diagrams (Below) Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Cheers

(If this is wrong please tell us why in the vote tool below)

I have a 95 Lincoln Town Car. 4.6 V8. 180,00 miles. I went to start it recently and heard a snap like something broke when I turned the key. I can still start the car using the key, but when I do start it, the key doesn't pop back to the on position like normally anymore, and I can't kill the engine using the key anymore. It feels loose when turning the key from "on" to "acc". But it still locks in the off position. And now no matter what position the key is in or if the key's in the ignition at all, it always thinks the key is turned on. I tried replacing the lock cylinder and the ignition switch, but those didn't help. Could there be a metal tab or spring that broke somewhere? Any help would be appreciated.

The ignition switch that you tried was it down on the steering collum like above the pedals?

Yes, it's behind the panels below the steering wheel. Here's a picture of it from the Napa website. The hole that the pin fits into moves back and forth easily. I don't know if that's normal or not. Thanks again.

O.K. now we got it. The rod that attaches to pin should only be able to move when key/tumbler is turned. There is a spring in switch that returns key from start to run. Can you move the pin and release it does it move back?
Operate the key while observing the switch does the rod move the pin?
When you install the switch key is off adj. switch to off then turn key to start it should move far enough to depress spring and engage start then retun to run . If you can move rod then it must be disconnected from the tumbler. Remove and on the end you wiil see the lug that fits into the housing see if it is broken or rod is off. Some thing is wrong with switch or that rod.
Let me know

OK, hopefully this is it. Right behind the lock cylinder I can see this plastic square shaped rod that moves back and forth when the key is turned. The left part of that plastic piece is broken off. The ignition switch works. I can manually put the switch to the off position and turn it on using the key, but it won't move backward. Could that plastic piece be it. If so is it replaceable. Or does the steering column need to be replaced. Thanks again. (Hope this picture helps, it's the part with the yellow on it)

O.K. that plastic piece is it it will push rod forward but not retract so car stays on. Dealer item and am not sure but I think you have to buy the collar that houses tumbler steering lock. Just got in from work give me till mid AM and I'll post what I find out.

I'm having this same issue. Was it the actuators?

I am looking for online pictures and information on how to replace the ignition key lock cyclinder in my 1995 lincoln towncar. I've been on the website before but can't remember the website. I thought that I had contacted you and you gave it to me . Please help

look under the steering wheel there should be a small hole under the key cycinder put a small alen wrench in put be gentle push the pin and pull cylinder out slow so you can see just how new one goes in and insert new cylinder

Replacing the ignition lock did nothing for it and the issue is certainly mechanical, not electrical. Could be broken actuators, but I haven't pulled the steering column off yet to find out.

Do I have to take upper and lower cover off the steering column or just the bottom to get to the cyclinder

you should not have to remove any of it there should be a small hole you just put allenwrench in to and you should feel a small bump push that bump and you can pull cylinder out and then you need to make sure you watch how cylender comes out and put new one in untill you hear a click then cylinder is locked in place and your done but if you have to take cover off all you should need to take off is the bottom

I changed the ignition key cylinder, and the gear shift still locks in park. If I step on the parking brake, turn the key to off, I can put it into neutral, start the car, and then put it into drive. I checked the fuse like the manuel said. It was ok. The gear shift just started to lock up in park. What can I do to correct this . It was easy changing the ignition cylinder with your help. Can you please help me to correct this??????

does this happen with the key in or out

The ignition switch on the steering column of my 1992 Lincoln Town car broke. I replaced the switch with a new one. The car will start but when you turn the key to the "off" position, the car does not stop running, all of the accessories and instrument panel lights stay on, and the steering wheel will not lock in place as it should.

When you say you replaced the switch, which part? the key and tumbler, or the plastic switch attached to the column? The actual switch is the latter! remove the column covers, loosen the two small 5/16th screws but don't remove them, slide the switch towards the engine and see if it shuts off.
Move it back and forth until the desired position is achieved! Tighten screws...if this is inneffective, replace the switch.

this happens with the key in or out

ok lets take cylinder back out dissconect battery put shifter in park remove cylinder make sure key is in off possition and reinstall

Electrical problem
1994 Lincoln Town Car V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

Key will not turn to start engine

make sure shift selector is in PARK fully and that the steering wheel is not locked up. also try a spare key and lubricate the ignition lock cylinder with WD40.

This is a pretty common issue when one of two things happens. First the key is worn out so the suggestion of a spare key is a good one because it will most likely have clean cuts on the key to move the tumblers properly.

The second is the cylinder is seized so this is why you would need the lubricant. If you spray it in and let it sit for 10 minutes and then work the key back and forth and see if the ignition loosens up.

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks