Replacing ignition lock cylinder on 1985 town car

Faulty ignition switch.Replace only the ignition switch and not the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition lock cylinders tend to break off on those vehicles (Caravan / Voyager / Town and Country) and cause the symptoms you are describing. You will most likely not have to replace the entire ignition switch assembly (although sometimes this is the case). The lock cylinder is available as a separate part and can be replaced individually.

I think it has some thing to with a relay maybe.

Ford vehicles usually have a small hole under the ignition lock cylinder that allows access to the release for the cylinder. I assume Lincoln has a similar setup. Turn the ignition to on and locate the small hole in the steering column trim, use a long thin punch and stick it in the hole depressing the release. You should be able to gently pull the lock cylinder out now.

Here's a copy of a service bulletin on your problem.

I'll bet the dealer says $300 for parts and 2 hrs labor.:screwy:

Ignition Key - Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
NUMBER: 23-23-00
GROUP: Body
DATE: JUNE 30, 2000
SUBJECT:
Ignition Key Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
MODELS:
1997 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves performing one or any combination of the following procedures; cutting a new ignition key, and/or adjusting transmission shifter cable, and/or replacing the ignition lock cylinder and/or replacing the ignition lock housing and switch assembly.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
1. Cannot turn the ignition key when attempting to start vehicle, this condition may be intermittent.
2. Unable to remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder.
PARTS REQUIRED:
AR(1)04778115 Key
AR(1)05003843AB Cylinder, Ignition Lock
AR(1)04690523 Assembly, Ignition Switch and Lock Housing
EQUIPMENT POSSIBLY REQUIRED:
Key Cutter such as Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) IL-MK1-P2627 or
IL-ECM-100
T-27 Torx Bit
T-25 Torx Bit
T-10 Tamper Resistant Torx Bit
SR-706059 Lock Cylinder Build Kit, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE)
DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR PROCEDURE:
DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT. THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLERS MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION ONE
1. Ensure the steering wheel is centered and the vehicle is positioned on a level surface.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Insert ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
4. If the key does not turn, remove the key from the lock cylinder and rotate it 180°. Reinsert the key into the lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key. If the key does not turn skip to step 14. If the key does turn make a new key.
NOTE: USE THE KEY CODE ON THE VEHICLE INVOICE TO CORRECTLY CUT THE NEW KEY. KEY CODES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE USING THE D.I.A.L. SYSTEM, MAIN MENU OPTION 13. DO NOT USE A KEY DUPLICATOR TO MAKE THE NEW KEY.
5. Insert the new ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
6. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
7. If the key turns, repeat steps 5 and 6 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete. If the key fails to turn smoothly at each rotation attempt, continue to step 8.
8. Remove the ignition lock cylinder using the procedure outlined on page 8D-29 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE THE Lock CYLINDER.
9. Build a new lock cylinder to the key code on the vehicle invoice, using the instructions in the Pentastar Service Equipment SR-706059 Lock Cylinder Build Kit.
10. Install the new ignition lock cylinder using the procedure outlined on page 8D-29 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
11. Insert the new ignition key into the new ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
12. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
13. If the key turns, repeat steps 11 and 12 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete. If the key fails to turn smoothly at each rotation attempt, continue to step 14.
14. Remove the ignition lock housing and ignition switch as an assembly using the procedure outlined beginning on page 19-47 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
NOTE: SKIP STEPS 13 AND 14 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL REMOVAL PROCEDURE SO THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING AND IGNITION SWITCH ARE REMOVED AS AN ASSEMBLY.
15. Install a new ignition lock housing and ignition switch assembly, p/n 04690523, using the procedure outlined beginning on page 19-49 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
NOTE: PRIOR TO PERFORMING STEP 2 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL LOCK HOUSING INSTALLATION PROCEDURE, INSTALL THEN REMOVE THE TWO LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING MOUNTING SCREWS INTO THE LOCK HOUSING MOUNTING HOLES TO CREATE THE THREADS IN THE HOLES.FAILURE TO CREATE THE MOUNTING HOLE THREADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION TO THE STEERING COLUMN MAY CAUSE MISALIGNMENT OF THE LOCK HOUSING TO STEERING COLUMN AND DAMAGE BINDING OF STEERING COLUMN MAY RESULT.
STEPS 5 AND 6 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE FOR THE LOCK HOUSING ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THIS TSB PROCEDURE.
WHEN PERFORMING STEP 9 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURE USE THE NEW LOCK CYLINDER THAT WAS BUILT IN STEP 9 OF THE SYMPTOM/CONDITION ONE DIAGNOSIS / REPAIR PROCEDURE OF THIS BULLETIN.
16. Insert the new ignition key into the new ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
17. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
18. If the key turns, repeat steps 16 and 17 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION TWO
1. Check the operation of the shift lever. The shift lever should fall freely away from the driver when it is brought up into the Park position.
2. If the shift lever does not seat fully up and away from the driver the column will not allow the key to be removed.
3. If binding of the shift lever is discovered, adjust the transmission shift cable using the procedure outlined on page 21-114 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).

this is the oldest info I have. should be similar

Section 11-05: Steering Column Switches 1994 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis. Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove the upper steering column shroud by removing the four or five self-tapping screws. Remove tilt steering column lock lever (if so equipped).

1. Remove lower steering column shroud.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.

1. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.

1. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch.

1. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.

Installation
NOTE: A new replacement ignition switch assembly will be set in the RUN position as received.

1. Adjust the ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the ignition switch RUN position.

1. Check to ensure that the ignition switch lock cylinder is in the RUN position. The RUN position is achieved by rotating the ignition switch lock cylinder approximately 90 degrees from the LOCK position.

1. Install the ignition switch into the actuator. It may be necessary to move the ignition switch slightly back and forth to align the ignition switch mounting holes with the lock cylinder housing threaded holes.

1. Install retaining screws. Tighten to 5.6-7.9 Nm (50-69 lb-in).

1. Connect electrical connector to ignition switch.

1. Connect battery ground cable. Check ignition switch for proper function, including START and ACC positions. Also, make certain that the column is in the LOCK position.

1. Install upper steering column shroud.

1. Install the lower steering column shroud and tilt steering column lock lever (if so equipped).

go to link the year is diff but the procedure is the same. scroll to bottom of page

http://www.2carpros.com/forum/1994-chevy-s-10--ignition-lock-cylinder-vt197051.html

Here is how to remove ignition lock:

   Rotate ignition lock cylinder to RUN position. Using a 1/8-inch drift, depress lock cylinder retaining pin through access hole and remove lock cylinder.

Carefully NOTE: the position of the bearing retainer prior to removal.

   Remove blue plastic bearing retainer by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool, with a 90 degree bend on the tip, between bearing retainer and bearing and by prying upward.

   Insert tip of a screwdriver into Double-D slot of bearing, then rotate 90 degrees. Remove bearing.

   Remove lock drive gear. Carefully note relationship of lock drive gear to position of rack teeth.

Here is the installation:
   Position lock drive gear in base of lock cylinder housing in the same position as that noted during removal procedure. The position of lock drive gear is correct if last tooth on drive gear is meshed with last tooth on rack.

   Position bearing retainer in lock cylinder housing. Insert tip of a screwdriver into Double-D slot of bearing, then rotate 90 degrees.

   Press blue plastic bearing retainer into lock cylinder housing. Ensure retainer is in its original position.

   Line up flats of drive gear with flats of washer by pulling down on the column lock actuator.

   Install lock cylinder assembly.

   Check for proper start in PARK and NEUTRAL. Also, check to ensure start circuit cannot be actuated in DRIVE or REVERSE positions and the column is locked in LOCK position.

what year?

1999 electrcial ign switch. Lock cylinder is different

211-05: Steering Column Switches 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Position the LH instrument panel insulator aside.
   1. Remove the pin-type retainers.
   1. Position the insulator.

1. Remove the LH instrument panel insulator.
   1. Disconnect the courtesy lamp.
   1. Remove the insulator.

1. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column opening cover.
   • Remove the screws.
   • Unhook the parking brake release handle and position aside.
   • Remove the cover.

1. Remove the five bolts to remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   1. Loosen the bolt.
   1. Disconnect the electrical connector.

1. NOTE: The ignition key should be in the OFF position.
   Remove the ignition switch.
   1. Remove the bolts.
   1. Remove the switch.

---------------------
SECTION 211-04: Steering Column 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder —Functional Lock Cylinder Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable; for additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582).
   1. Insert the ignition key and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Press the ignition switch lock cylinder release pin while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

The ignition lock cylinder has to be what I guess you would call timed, if they get this it wrong then the key will do things like what is happening to you, it is an adjustment that will require they remove and reset the position of the lock cylinder.
BOTTOM LINE, TAKE IT BACK.