Steering Column Repair: 97 Mustang my key just turns in the ignition, turn signal switch, mustang gt

Question
I goto fill gas up in my 97 Mustang GT and when I get done filling the tank I goto turn the car on and the Key just turns back and forth without turning the car on. The radio and ac is still getting power to it even if I completely remove the key.

Answer

rack gears Hi Jason:
It sounds like the white plastic "Rack actuator" gear has broken.  It's a very common problem and requires quite a bit of work and experience to replace it.  It is buried inside the column.  The airbag, the steering wheel, the turn signal switch, both covers, the lock cylinder, the tilt housing (and spring), the actuator gears inside the lock housing and the upper bearings all have to come apart to access this gear.  Once it's apart, the new part needs to be shaved to fit properly and then the gears need to be realigned properly to hit all the key positions.  I would not recommend doing this one yourself.
A good repair shop should charge you about 2 hours labor to do it and the part costs about $12.00
The part has to come from Ford only, (not a parts store) & the part # is F2DZ 3E723 A.  Your rack gear is the long yellow plastic one in the bottom of the photo.
I hope this helps you