Hey folks, I''m about 475 miles from home and tonight I put the key into the ignition in my '96 2500 12-valve 4x4 and the key switch turns, but doesn't feel like it's engaging anything. Just spins kind of free and no starter engagement. I pulled the key out and put it back in and tried it several times, and it finally engaged and we got back to the hotel. I backed it into the parking spot in case I have to get it towed. I've got basic tools with me. Looking for a thread on ignition cylinder replacement. The town I'm in has a NAPA and an Oreilly's. Can anyone direct me to a thread to replace this key switch? As it happens, I trailered my Road King over here, so I'm not on foot for parts chasing! Need some input folks. THANKS

 

Does the lock cylinder release the steering wheel, but just not make the starter spin?
If so, you could cross the starter contacts and get it started to get home in a pinch.

 

Or being a standard transmission, push / pull start it and pop the clutch in 2nd.
The key [pun intended] would be the steering wheel being unlocked still by the key.

 

Again. It's intermittent. I'm headed to the parts store this morning.

 

Just like when I was a kid, drive around until you found a hill to park on!

 

Update. Oreilly's had the ignition lock cylinder in stock, the looooong torx key set for the plastic clamshell screws and the security torx set one needs to remove the switch assembly screws to get to the retaining screw. Thanks to You Tube for the video of something similar. I should have made my own vid of the '96 Ram ignition cylinder replacement for You Tube. The cylinder had broken off a small (necessary) chunk. It's all good, except it takes two keys now. No biggy.