Chrysler Repair: Ignition switch problem, 95 minivan, dodge grand caravan, steering wheel lock

Question
1995 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.  The ignition switch failed and during the troubleshooting process I found a broken piece of pot metal on the key cylinder where it mates with the switch module.  Easy enough, I got a replacement key cylinder, installed it, mounted the assembly back to the steering column and presto, the car started. I started it a number of times and thought the job was done.  Installed the steering column covers and tried once again.  It stopped working.  The electrical stuff comes on but no engagement of the starter when put in the start position.  What happened?  Side note – I put an ohmmeter across the switch terminals which I believe are the ones for the starter relay (where the large yellow wire goes and where one of the two large red wires goes)  No continuity when the switch is in the starter position.  Also the steering column doesn’t lock when the key is in the off position like I think it should.  Could this have something to do with it?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Chuck,
If you were indeed checking between pins 1 and 7 then the ignition switch itself is not making contact in the start position. I don't know if there is a relationship to the steering wheel lock, but I would doubt that would explain the switch discontinuity. There is a drawing in the '95 manual that speaks to the steering wheel lock mechanism, what can be serviced and what cannot be serviced and what NOT to remove, etc. Also several pages about the ignition lock cylinder install including how to connect up with the steering lock mechanism which you may not have done properly. Let me send you the page and also the pages on changing the ignition switch so you can study the situation with that extra information. Tell me a postal mailing address and I will xerox the pages and send them.
Roland