I'm trying to put a new ignition switch in my 92 ford van i got the sleeve in and pinned but the key switch wont stay in is there some way to lock this in

If your vehicle was towed, check the fuel pump intertia switch located near the top of the passenger side kick panel.
if you changed the key, you will be having an antitheft problem.
you could try putting an original key at the lock cylinder while turning the new key, it may allow it to start... if so, new key will require programming, or have the new lock cylinder coded to the old keys.

If you look under the the switch you will see a hole turn key on and push into the hole this should release it be carefull not to disturb the gear at the end or you will have to retime it.
Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder-Functional Lock Cylinder Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute. 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.

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • Verify ignition switch lock cylinder operation.

if you look on column right under switch you will see a small hole, theres the lock pin for the ignition, put key in ignition then with a small nail or pick stick in the hole push in then turn key slow you should feel pick push in the pin continue truning switch until a the dash lights come on and keep pushing in, then pull swith out, take new switch and turn key to same point as old slide in and turn key off, your done hope this helped.

Ignition Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION The ignition switch is located at the bottom of the ignition key cylinder body. To remove the ignition switch, first remove the ignition lock cylinder.

1993–99 Golf and Jetta

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Center the steering wheel.
3. Remove the air bag.
4. Remove the steering column switches.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
6. Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
7. Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
8. Detach the sheer bolt.
9. Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
10. Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
11. Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
12. Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
13. Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
14. Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
15. While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
16. The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal. NOTE: Always use a new shear pin when installing the lock cylinder.
    

try wiggleling the key too the tumblers may be getting worn in the ignition is this works then replace the ignition

Remove panel under steering wheel. Put key in cylinder and turn back to accessory position. Looking under lower part of steering column locate a small pin under the key cylinder. While depressing the pin turn the key backwards and pull the entire cylinder with key out of column. Good luck.

Lock Cylinder Functional
Removal

1. NOTE: The following procedure applies to vehicles that have functional ignition switch lock cylinders (11582), lock cylinder keys are available for these vehicles or the lock cylinder key numbers are known and the proper key can be made.
   
   Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01 .
   

1. Turn ignition switch lock cylinder to RUN position.
   

1. Place a 3.17 mm (1/8-inch) diameter wire pin or small drift punch in hole in lower steering column shroud (3530) under ignition switch (11572). Press retaining pin while pulling out on ignition switch lock cylinder to remove it from steering column lock cylinder housing (3511).
   

Installation

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

1. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder, using lock cylinder key, to ensure correct mechanical operation in all positions.
   

1. Connect battery ground cable.
   

Get a new lock cylinder and replace it. Let us know if you need directions.

go to parts store buy new ignition cylinder ford are easy to replace. Once you have new ignition turn on old ignition to run position just under the switch you will see a hole push in the silver pin on that hole and pull out old switch and insatll new hope that will solve your problem

You need to remove the shroud so you can see the whole lock assembly.Once this is removed you should see a little silver retainer pin. While pushing in on the pin, rotate the lock with the key in it, until you feel the pin drop in. At this point you can start to pull the lock out. You may need a torx driver to unscrew some of the bolts, but there are no special tools needed to actually remove the lock assembly , besides a working key.