tumbler/'ignition' switch
 

have been having trouble with the tumbler/switch assembly. have not removed key in probably a couple of years. if someone other than i removes the key, usual result is my playing with the bugger for minutes trying to get the key to turn. today, as per great instructions provided by 'diesel giant' and others, i removed the tumbler. it works fine. my problem lies in the 'switch' assembly. please correct me if i am in error. but seems to me if i depress the little 'thingie' at the bottom - where the tumbler mates with the switch assembly, i can rotate same with a screw driver. question. what prevents me from sticking something in there to depress permanently the tab? sorry if this is confusing. i tried my best to explain. thank you.

bump..........
 

bump.

If you're problem isn't with the tumbler, then is it the steering lock? I'm not sure exactly what you mean by switch assembly. Usually the problem is with the steering lock or, more often, the tumbler.

If you're talking about keeping the spring depressed, I'm not sure whether that would work once the key was removed.

I'm fighting the same problem.
Interesting idea.

Another suggestion made here is to leave the wheel a bit cocked so the column lock does not engage.
Sees to work well (when I remember).

I was able to use a scredriver on mine without a lock at all. Although I strongly suggest finding a parts car with a working lock. I hear JFMan has one (since I just left him with one).....

This is exactly what I do. Kind of a PITA if I forget, but I really don't have the patience to deal with it at the moment.

Yeah anything wrong with that ignition you left me ??

I had the exact same problem 2 days ago. I jst drilled a hole into the steering lock thing while holding the pin in, then broke the bit in the hole, blocking the pin from ever coming out. Its working great now.