I have a 1993 Eddie Bauer edition Aerostar (with a tilt steering wheel). A couple of days ago my wife got home and when she tried to shut the engine off, the ignition key turned easily, and nothing happened, the engine just kept running.

I have pulled the ignition switch off, and I can see that the key lock mechanism is not tied into the "slide" part of the rod. From underneath the steering column I can stick a small rod into the slide (in the hole where the rod for the ignition switch would normally fit) and move the slide back and forth without affecting the position of the key lock mechanism. It seems apparent (to me at least) that the slide / rod is broken or damaged somewhere between the key mechanism and the slide itself - probably about the location where the two steering column housing fit together and are hinged in order to tilt.

My problem is the rod fits inside the two piece housings and I cannot "see whats going on". I have read other post relating to other Ford trucks (not the Aerostar) and it looks like I am going to have to pull the steering wheel and drop the steering column down so I can work on it. (I can deal with the air bag thanks to you guys.)

Any advise or personal experiences you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Gold Bear