1987 dodge dakota. how to replace ignition switch? do you have to take steering wheel off or drop the column down?

You have a short somewhere that is still supplying power throughout the system. It would be hard to troubleshoot without proper equipment and know how.

The flasher is on the top of the steering colunm right behind the steering wheel, remove the screws (4 I think) from the bottom of the steering column cover, remove the bottom piece then the top, you have to fiddle with it a bit to get it around the ignition switch, the flasher is on top (7 pin? connector) get the Mopar one, I've heard if problems with aftermarket pieces

I've done this twice in the past year. Remove the two screws under the steering column that hold the cover in place. Then you will see two nuts with washers, one on either side of the column, that hold the column to the dash frame. Remove those two nuts and washers, and you can lower the steering wheel and column to rest on the drivers side seat cushion. Then with a ratchet and I think a 5/16-inch socket and a couple of "wobble end" extensions on the ratchet, one long and the other short, you can contort your body into position to reach the two hex-head self threading screws that hold the ignition switch to the column. Once they are out, you can re-contort your body so that you can disconnect the two electrical plugs that connect to the right side of the switch. (When you first look at the plugs and the wires, it looks as though it is all one plug, but it's two.) Good luck!

Ignition Switch - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
(see Figure 1)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the lower column trim panel, then remove the steering column-to-instrument panel fasteners and carefully lower the column for access to the switch.
3. Place the ignition switch in the OFF-LOCK position.
   

If the lock cylinder was removed on vehicles through 1991, the actuating rod should be pulled up until it stops, then moved down one detent; the switch is now in the Lock position.

Fig. 1: Adjusting the ignition switch

1. Remove the ignition switch-to-steering column retainers, then remove the assembly.
   

To install:

1. Before installing the ignition switch, place it in the OFF-LOCK position, then make sure that the lock cylinder and actuating rod are in the Locked position (1st detent from the top or 1st detent to the right of far left detent travel).

Most replacement switches are pinned in the OFF-LOCK position for installation purposes. If so, the pin MUST be removed after installation or damage may occur.

1. Install the activating rod into the ignition switch and assemble the switch onto the steering column. Once the switch is properly positioned, tighten the ignition switch-to-steering column retainers to 35 inch lbs. (4.0 Nm).
   

When installing the ignition switch, use only the specified screws since over length screws could impair the collapsibility of the column.

1. Raise the column into position and secure, then install any necessary trim plates.
2. Make sure the ignition is OFF , then connect the negative battery cable.

Ignition Lock Cylinder - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
(see Figure 1)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Matchmark and remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the turn signal switch from the column and allow it to hang from the wires (leaving them connected). For details, please refer to the procedure located earlier in this section.
4. For vehicles through 1991, place the lock cylinder in the Run position.
5. For 1992-93 vehicles, remove the buzzer switch assembly.
   

Fig. 1: Ignition cylinder replacement

1. Carefully remove the lock cylinder screw and the lock cylinder. If possible, use a magnetic tipped screwdriver on the screw in order to help prevent the possibility of dropping it.

CAUTION If the screw is dropped upon removal, it could fall into the steering column, requiring complete disassembly in order to retrieve the screw and prevent damage.
To install:

1. Align and install the lock cylinder set. On vehicles through 1991 it will be necessary to rotate the switch clockwise to align the cylinder key with the keyway in the housing.
2. Push the lock cylinder all the way in, then carefully install the retaining screw. Tighten the screw to 22 inch lbs. (2.5 Nm) on tilt columns or to 40 inch lbs. (4.5 Nm) on standard non-tilt columns.
3. If necessary, install the buzzer switch assembly.
4. Reposition and secure the turn signal switch assembly
5. Align and install the steering wheel.
6. Make sure the ignition is OFF , then connect the negative battery cable.

Keep us updated about your advance.

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suspect your interlock switch. try starting in neutral.

is this one in steering column? if so you will have to pull the steering wheel to do it. give me more info be glad to help

It is easier for me to drop the column... Good Luck!

You've probably got to slide the ignition switch toward the steering wheel and lock it down there.

Sorry, when mine went out last year it was IMPOSSIBLE (2 Dodge dealerships, 2 different auto parts chains, and 3 repair shops) to find a replacement.

Had to replace the entire steering column from a junkyard.

Good luck!

you do not have to remove the steering wheel. there are 2 or 3 screws under he column then the shroud comes off then the switch is on the left side you will need to remove one small tamper proof torques screw(the star bit with the whole in the center) note there is more then one screw there but only one holds it to the column then pop the switch off, you have to pull and wiggle it to get it loose.