My 98 XK8 with 138K miles has had this problem for a while, but I have tolerated it. Occasionally when I crank the car, the steering column will retract and then go back and also the courtesy lights will come on. Also some time if I bump the key with my knee while driving the same things will happen. After I realized it was an ignition issue, I would just turn the key slightly forward and everything would be normal. Recently that has not worked and I am having to jiggle the key quite often to remedy these problems. Obviously there are some contact points that are failing within the ignition switch. What part of the switch do I need to replace to solve the issue? Is it a DIY project for a pretty mechanical person?
Thanks for any advice.

 

I look forward to a ideas on this one. This concerns me is there any chance this might interrupt ignition causing a stall?

Let me explain. I once hit the key with my knee. Car stalled while driving. You learn fast that this is unlike any other car, you cannot just turn the switch to on: it requires an off on cycle by design. Heads up as you cycle you may pass through steering wheel Locking for a split second. A nightmare at highway speeds.

Look this may be unrelated but be ready in case you do lose ignition. Give it a try in a safe place, believe me it is not intuitive when it happens.

Btw, it is easy to remove upper and lower covers on steering wheel shaft. Take a look for faulty connections. If you do this, look for my post with photo that shows you where the screws are to remove upper cowl.

John

 

Before delving into anything too complicated, check the little "trap door" of the ignition switch. This door has been reportedly the source of several problems, including drained batteries, etc. Usually, it gets stuck open, and the car "thinks" the key was never removed, and keeps some computers in the active state. In your case, it looks like there is some form of intermittent contact. I would try the easy things first. Look for lock maintenance products. I suppose you could try contact cleaner, too.

Best of luck, keep us posted.