my vans ignition switch is stuck in off. tried removing it but has to be in on to take it out. any ideas how to get it out?

 

I'm wildly guessing here but based upon some first hand experience with this sort of thing. Its possilble the issue isn't with the key actuated lock itself rather something in the linkage that is buried inside the steering column. Hard as it is to believe dropping the entire column might be in order. Minimally removing the shrouds or plastic top & bottom trim pieces might give you a better view of what's happening.

A heavy handed friend once twisted his key too hard and something broke, key would rotate but it was easy to feel it wasn't attached to anything. After towing to an all night Ford dealer it was ready to go next morning at 8am---$400 labor and parts. With the luxury of time I could have fixed it myself for maybe $50 tops but that wasn't the case.

Before calling a locksmith to have them remove it without damage to the housing remove the trim panels----long shaft #2 Phillips screwdriver is all that's needed, screws drop out from below. See if anything visually jumps out at you. Of course the key lock portion itself might be damaged OR the key---do you have a known good or new key? If that's not it digging deeper into the column is you only other choice.

Since the key lock needs to turn so the release pin can be actuated allowing it to pull out this is why a locksmith might have to drill it out. Look for a hole in the trim pieces on the bottom, insert a long stiff rod no more than 1/8" diameter upwards and feel around until it nests in a small recess. Once you've "found" this press upwards and you should feel this release pin move----try to turn or pull outward on the lock, key inserted naturally.

One other bit of advice----double check the interlock solenoid fuse and wiring connection inside the column if you're already in there. This probably doesn't have anything to do with this BUT its worth checking should you get this deep into it yourself.

Hope this helps!