Ignition switch sticks at times will not turn need to shake key or remove key and rotate most of times it will turn and start car.

GM cars have bad problem with security system. If you key turn light and will start other time will stick and need shaking to turn over and won't start just replace the key. Security system need some times to refresh the memory.
1.turn key ON for 10min.
2.turn key OFF 10sec.
3.turn ON 10min.
4.turn OFF 10sec.
5.turn ON 10min.
turn OFF ON and start
total of 30 min. to refresh the memory
the next step is more expensive and need some skills.
on top of the ignition switch is a sensor go bad
replace ignition switch with the sensor and do the learning process from step 1 to 5

Hi,
This may or may not help. Is key hanging up in cylinder? If so, spray some wd 40 or graphite into the switch. Also, if steering wheel is turned fully in either direction, then your steering wheel lock may be preventing you from truning key. Try shaking the wheel while turning the key. Lastly your ignition switch may be shot.

Try shaking the steering wheel back and forth and jigling the ignition key.

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).

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.

try to get a jump from a friend and see what happens, does the same, faulty starter, may need replacing, try to use small hammer and tap lightly on the starter couple time and have a friend start the car while you tap lightly on it. check ignition switch where you stick the key in. stick the key in the ignition and turn the key back and forth jiggle and wiggle it and see if your igniting will make contact. do it several time to test and see if its the ignition problems, this part is not cheap to replace.

Its usually NOT the lock cylinder on the 470s, its usually the housing. The cylinder is on the dash and points towards the engine. Behind the plastic dash panel (once removed) you will see it in fact sticks in an aluminum tube that goes down 2 or 3 inches, then makes 2 turns, left to attatch to the steering column, and right to attatch to the actual ignition switch. The gear and rod assembly that the cylinder attatches to that allows it to rotate the switch usually shatters in the middle and the key starts freewheeling because there is no longer any attatchment to any of the gears or springs or click points that youd usually feel as the rotational resistance. UNFORTUNATELY this is not a 5 minute job (If it was, cars would be a breeze to steal!). Youll need at least a lock cylinder housing (dealer stock em, they break all the tyme), and IF your cylinder is undamaged, change the housing (it bolts to the steering column and extends from column towards center console area where the ignition SWITCH is actually located). If your cylinder is damaged or the housing is so shredded you cant remove the lock cylinder by normal means...then youll also need the cylinder...and it will have to be recoded to the vehicle so the anti theft will allow the new keys/cylinder to start the car. If your old cylinder and keys are intact, then transfer them to the new housing and car wont even know it happened and should start up and work as normal. Some can be removed intact, some cant...depends on how yours broke.

Sounds like a short in the ignition switch. Next time it does it, try shaking and turning the steering wheel while you're turning the key to start. If this doesn't work, try cycling the switch on and off several times. Chances are, this is your problem.

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. 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.