G'day Scotty,

I have a question regarding my Australian 2006 Ford Falcon MKII XR6 4sp automatic (non turbo), I've owned it for 9 years now without any issues, in the 9 years I've put about 35,000k's on it and it now has 178,000K's.. (kilometers not miles)

Recently my ignition switch failed making the key turn freely in the barrel (no resistance, no clicking between accessories ignition and start) I watched a few youtube videos that show how to repair the switch where the return spring lug had snapped and I decided to give it a go.

I removed the steering column shroud to find the back of the switch had fallen off the base and the internals were floating in the shroud, I inspected the base and saw the return spring lug was not broken. As the switch itself is pressed into the steering column I removed the upper section of the column so I could reassemble the switch (something I've done before on an older 1970's Ford Cortina, which worked fine) ensuring the back of the switch was crimped back in tightly so it would not fall off again.

I put everything back together with all wiring reconnected, the key now operates as it should with normal resistance and I can feel the clicking between acc' ign' and start yet when I try to start my car the warning lights in the dash do not come on and the engine will not crank, the headlights and horn work fine and the immobiliser light in the dash flashes as it should (stays on when the immobiliser is at fault) the doors still lock and unlock with my remote and the power windows still operate...

I know our cars may be slightly different to your American counter parts but all cars are basically the same and I'm hoping you can advise me on how to fix this issue..

Thanks in advance,

Your Aussie fan

Dann