Ignition switch spins around on outside of column and a a metal part slides back and forth freely. Key will not turn.

okay we are talking about the rod that goes from the ignition key chamber in the steering column to the electrical ignition switch on the lower part of the column and I am assuming that your changing the ignition switch on the lower column you have to put the rod up into the ignition cylinder first then attach it to the ignition switch and then put in the bolts to hold it but don't tighten them all the way so you can adjust the ignition switch properly then when you have it right tighten the bolts ///// now when you were taking the old one out you had the key turned to the run position with the battery cables disconnected and it fell out I am assuming there is only one way to put it in the switch part lower column so you'll get it just be patient the key cylinder must move freely with the rod engaged then you turn the key back to the off position while moving the switch with it then temporarily bolt it in for testing and adjusting it trying to do it by yourself is a little bit hard if you never did this before so try using a helper but it can be done as a 1 man job if you have a lot of problems you can pull the key cylinder out by pushing the metal button under it in the column then turning the key cylinder to the flats // forward till you can pull it out if you need more info please post back in comments and I will get it ok be patient and you will succeed good luck Stephen

yes you can, 1991 Dodge Dynasty Ignition Switch

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Tamper-proof Torx driver

• Ignition key

Instructions

1. • 1 Remove the plastic cover from the steering column. The cover is two pieces held together by screws that thread through the bottom piece of plastic into the top piece. Remove the screws and pull the cover off. This exposes the large square ignition switch. The key cylinder connects to the ignition switch.
     
   • 2 Remove the tamper-proof Torx screws that secure the ignition to the steering column using a tamper-proof Torx driver. You can get this type of Torx driver from your local auto part store.
     
   • 3 Pull the wiring harness out of the ignition switch.
     
   • 4 Place the ignition key into the cylinder and turn it onto the auxiliary position. Push the metal pin on the ignition switch in using a screwdriver and slide the ignition cylinder half way out of the ignition switch. Turn the key to the off position and slide the cylinder all the way out of the ignition switch.
     
   • 5 Place the key into the new cylinder, slide the cylinder into the ignition switch half way. Turn the key to the auxiliary position and slide the cylinder in the rest of the way. Remove the key from the cylinder.
     
   • 6 Press the wiring harness onto the ignition switch.
     
   • 7 Secure the switch to the steering column using the tamper-proof Torx driver.
     
   • 8 Place the covers back onto the steering column and secure them using the screwdriver.
     

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_7460507_replace-key-ignition-dodge-dynasty.html

A metal activator rod generally moves back and forth along the steering column from the key lock to the ignition switch (generally mounted on the steering column. If the rod had been dislodged or the ignition switch had shifted position during your pervious efforts, turning the key will not allow the voltage to get to the starter.

Be prepare to be very uncomfortable twisted around under the dash and steering column. :(

If all you did was to remove things down to the turn signal switch to allow access to the screw that holds the lock cylinder in, I would check the ignition switch for being out of adjustment. Do you have to turn the key a long way to get the engine to turn over? If you have to do that as well then go towards the bottom of the column. The switch is held on my two screws (5/16..maybe one a phillips screw). Loosen the screws and slide the switch. In your case with not turning back far enough to get the key out I would say slide the swicth down towards the firewall. The high/lowbeam dimmer swicth is also attached to part of the ignition switch.

Your clockspring not going in makes me think you don't have the rest together correctly. There should be a heavy spring, them the white plastic horn/ signal actuator that fits around the top of the spring, then the lock plate, THEN, there is a C clip. Just a round metal clip that is split. The lock plate needs to be pressed down, usually with a tool (I have used my thumbs and a budies help in the past) then that clip slides over the shaft and down into a grove to keep the lock plate down tight.
If that is not done then this could also be the reason why your column feels loose. Another reason for that is at times there are four Torx bolts that work themselves loose. If the column was tight before I would bet its the clip is not in the lock plate.

I have pictures of when I replaced my ignition lock in my 91 (same column) I don't know if I can post them here though.
http://www.createforum.com/allgenfbody/index.php
This is my forum. If you join and then PM me I can get you the pics. Then once that is done, if you wish you can delete your account.

This is usually a problem in the turn stalk. The usual fix is to replace the entire unit which is called the MFS for multi function switch.

The process for replacing this switch is to disconnect the NEG cable of the battery and turn the Ignition switch to RUN or ACC position. At the bottom of Ignition switch there is a spring loaded pin which is accessible from a hole in the plastic cover of the steering column. Use a drill bit or small pin to press on the spring loaded pin in the Ignition switch.

When you pull up with the Ignition key, the lock cylinder should slide out. This is necessary to remove the chrome Ignition key flange to allow the column cover to slide apart. There are about 4 additional screws holding the column cover together. You will have to move the tilt in the column back and forth to wiggle the column cover free.

The MFS is secured with 2 screws with recessed Torx heads. There are several connectors with delicate clips to unfasten. You change out the old for new parts and then reinstall by reversing the above instructions.

I hope my solution is very helpful to you. The MFS part runs $85 to $160 depending on the supplier. With the changing of this switch you will also gain new components for your turn signals contained within the unit.

the actuator inside the sterring column that the lock cylinder turns is boken, this is a very complex job and is not for the home tech without a factory service manual.

It sounds like the rack is broken inside the column.The gears would bind from old,hard grease and cause the already thin pot metal rack to break.The steering wheel and the upper column has to come apart to replace the rack,brass gear and the actuator/gear.

it sounds like the ignition switch itself if you pull the plastic off the steering column and turn the key you will see a metal rod that moves back and forth running to a plastic switch with quite a few wires running out of it this is actually what controls all the electrical contacts when you turn the key on or off

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.

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).