Cannot remove ignition switch key from 1997 Subaru Outback.

Make sure the lever is in park all the way to the left and the battery is ok

REMOVAL

1. Disable SIR system. (Refer to "SIR Disable/Enable Procedure (For Frontal and Curtain Inflators)".
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Remove lock cylinder bezel from steering column shroud by carefully prying with thin blade screwdriver.
4. Remove shroud fasteners and remove steering column upper and lower shroud panels.
5. Insert key into ignition lock cylinder and rotate to RUN position. Then rotate ignition cylinder back to ACC position.
6. Depress locking button on side of ignition module assembly with a thin pick-type tool. Slide lock cylinder assembly from ignition module.

INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT: Actuator blade within ignition module housing must be in ACC position to install lock cylinder assembly. If rotated, replace it to ACC position, using needle nose pliers.

1. Insert key into ignition lock cylinder and install into ignition module.
2. Install steering column upper and lower shrouds and shroud fasteners.
3. Install lock cylinder bezel.
4. Connect negative battery cable.
5. Enable the SIR system. (Refer to "SIR Disable/Enable Procedure (For Frontal and Curtain Inflators)".

Removal & Installation

1. To prevent accidental air bag deployment, disconnect the negative battery cable, then the positive battery cable to allow residual energy in the air bag system to drain.
   
2. Remove the steering column shroud(s).
   
3. Disengage the wiring harness connector from the ignition switch.
   
4. Insert the key into the ignition switch, then rotate the ignition key lock cylinder to the RUN position.
   
5. Remove the two screws attaching the ignition switch.
   
6. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator pin and remove the switch.
   

To install:
A new ignition switch purchased from Ford will already be set in the RUN position.

1. Adjust the new ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the RUN position.
   
2. Check to ensure that the ignition key lock cylinder is in the RUN position. The RUN position is achieved by rotating the key lock cylinder approximately 90 degrees from the LOCK position.
   
3. Install the ignition switch onto the actuator pin.
   
4. Align the switch mounting holes and install the attaching screws. Tighten the screws to 50-69 inch lbs. (6-8 Nm).
   
5. Attach the electrical connector to the ignition switch.
   
6. Connect the positive, then the negative battery cables. Check the ignition switch for proper function in START and ACC positions. Make sure the column is locked in the LOCK position.
   
7. Install the steering column shroud(s).
   

Is this the one you are asking about?

METHOD 1 - NO TOOLS REQUIRED

1. Sit in the vehicle driver's seat.
2. Remove the ignition key from the ignition lock cylinder.
3. Close all of the vehicle's doors.
4. Press and HOLD the door "LOCK" switch to the "Unlock" position.
5. Insert and remove the ignition key twice (without rotating the ignition lock cylinder).
6. Insert the ignition key a third time leaving the key in the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition must be in the "OFF" position.
7. Release the door "LOCK" switch from the "Unlock" position (three fast chimes will be heard when the remote control door lock receiver enters the programming/diagnostic mode).
8. Press and HOLD the transmitter "LOCK" and "UNLOCK" buttons simultaneously for at least 12 seconds . Two fast chimes will be heard confirming successful programming.
9. Repeat step 8 for each additional transmitter to be programmed.
10. Remove the ignition key from the ignition lock cylinder

the ignition switch is an electrical part. The lock cylinder is whre the key goes and it activates the ignition switch. If you pulled the lock cylinder out, you could operate the car with a screwdriver.
Either you have damaged the ignition switch where the lock cylinder goes into it, or the lock cylinder is damaged where it fits into the ignition switch.

this is 96 taurus, don't have 92 sorry

Section 11-05: Steering Column Switches 1996 Taurus, Sable Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301).
   

1. Remove lower instrument panel steering column cover (04459).
   

1. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) to the RUN position.
   

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   

1. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch (11572).
   

1. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.
   

Installation

1. NOTE: A new replacement ignition switch assembly will be set in the RUN position as received.
   
   Adjust the ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the ignition switch RUN position.
   

1. Make sure 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 pin 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 lower instrument panel steering column cover with screws.
   

------------------
Section 11-05: Steering Column Switches 1996 Taurus, Sable Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Ignition Switch The ignition switch (11572), which is mounted on the steering actuator housing (3F723), operates in the following manner:

• The ignition switch is cycled through rotation of the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) through a pin which is part of the ignition switch.
• The ignition switch lock cylinder also controls the mechanism which provides a positive lock for the transaxle linkage and the steering system.
• The locking mechanism is located in the steering column housing.

The ignition switch lock cylinder positions are:

• ACC
• LOCK
• OFF
• RUN
• START

The key can be removed from the ignition switch lock cylinder with the column-shift transaxle only when the shift lever is in PARK position and the key is in LOCK position.

• The ACC position operates while the steering and transaxle remain locked.
• The engine shuts off when the key is turned to the OFF position without locking the steering or transaxle.

Blade Type
The ignition switch has blade-type terminals that engage with one multiple connector. The multiple connector is secured to the ignition switch by an integral connector fastener.

the ignition switch is the electrical part behind the lock cylinder where the key goes in.

Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder
Lock Cylinder Functional
Removal

1. The following procedure applies to vehicles that have a functional ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) and keys. If the key numbers are known, the correct key can be made. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). For additional information, refer to Section 14-01 .
   

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

1. Place a 3.17-mm (1/8-inch) diameter wire pin or small drift punch in the hole in the steering column shroud under the ignition switch lock cylinder. Depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the ignition switch lock cylinder to remove it from the housing of the steering column.
   

Installation

1. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder by turning it to the RUN position and depressing the retaining pin. Insert the ignition switch lock cylinder into the steering column housing. Make sure the ignition switch lock cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will permit the retaining pin of the ignition switch lock cylinder to extend into the hole of the steering column.
   

1. Using the key, rotate the ignition switch lock cylinder to make sure of correct mechanical operation in all positions.
   

1. Connect the battery ground cable.
   

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01 .
   

1. Remove the upper steering column shroud (3530) by removing the four or five self-tapping screws. Remove key release lever (3F527) (if equipped).
   

1. Remove lower steering column shroud.
   

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   

1. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) to the RUN position.
   

1. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch (11572).
   

1. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.
   

Item Part Number Description 1 11572 Ignition Switch 2 — Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Housing 3 — Slot in Lock/Column Assembly A — (Part of 11572) Pin B — Alignment Mark
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 make sure 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. Refer to Section 14-01 .
   

1. 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 key release lever (if equipped).
   

Removal

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

1. Remove instrument panel lower steering column cover.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.

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

1. Remove the two screws retaining ignition switch.

1. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator.

Installation

1. Adjust the ignition switch by sliding the carrier to the switch RUN position. NOTE: A new replacement switch assembly will be set in the RUN position as received.
   

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

1. Install the ignition switch into the actuator. It may be necessary to move the switch slightly back and forth to align the switch mounting holes with the column lock 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 locked in the LOCK position.

1. Install instrument panel lower steering column cover.

1. Install the steering column trim shrouds and tilt lever (if so equipped).

The key switch usually breaks or wears out and makes contact. It is on the lock cylinder. This would cause the chime to not come on, or stay on. Sounds like the switch is bad.

1997 F-150/250 Warning Chime, Key-In-Ignition The key-in-ignition chime warns that the key is still in the ignition when the driver's door is ajar. The key-in-ignition warning chime will sound when:

• GEM: Driver door is ajar, the ignition switch is in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the keys are in the ignition.
• CTM: Driver door is ajar, the ignition switch is in the OFF/LOCK, ACC or RUN position and the keys are in the ignition.

The key-in-ignition warning chime will stop sounding when:

• Driver door is closed.
• Key is removed from the ignition.
• GEM: Ignition switch is switched to the RUN position.

The key-in-ignition warning chime inputs are:

• Ignition switch RUN position (battery potential on both RUN and RUN/ACC inputs).
• Ignition switch ACC position (battery potential on RUN/ACC input only).
• Key-in-ignition switch (grounded with key-in-ignition, open circuit with key-out).
• LH door ajar switch (open circuit with door closed, grounded with door ajar).

This is a pic for a 98, could not find one for 97 which may be the older style which is more prone to break.

REMOVAL

1. On models equipped with airbag, disarm airbag as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. On all models, disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove ignition switch as described under STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEMS/COMPONENT REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR PROCEDURES/IGNITION SWITCH.
4. Remove key light case from lock body, if equipped.
5. On 1989 Accord models, place ignition lock cylinder in the ACC position.
6. On except 1989 Accord, place ignition lock in the I position.
7. On all models, position suitable punch into hole on lock cylinder housing and depress pin, then remove lock cylinder from housing.

INSTALLATION

1. On 1989 Accord models, install ignition lock cylinder as follows:

1. Place ignition lock cylinder in the LOCK position.
2. Rotate key until it is almost at the ACC position, then insert lock cylinder until pin contacts housing.
3. Rotate key to ACC position, then push pin in and insert lock cylinder into housing until pin clicks into place.

1. On except 1989 Accord, install ignition lock cylinder as follows:

1. Place ignition lock cylinder in the O position.
2. Rotate key until it is almost at the I position, then insert lock cylinder until pin contacts housing.
3. Rotate key to I position, then push pin in and insert lock cylinder into housing until pin clicks into place.

1. Install ignition switch and connect battery ground cable.

SRS wire harness is routed near the ignition switch.

CAUTION:

• All SRS electrical wiring harnesses are covered with yellow outer insulation.
• Before disconnecting the SRS wire harness, install the short connector on the airbag.
• Replace the entire affected SRS harness assembly if it has an open circuit or damaged wiring.

IGNITION SWITCH

1. Remove the steering wheel, then remove the steering column covers.
2. Disconnect the 7-P connector from the under-dash fuse box.
3. Insert the key and turn it to "0."
4. Remove the 2 screws and replace the base of the switch.