Steering Column Repair: 96 merc sable ignition, turn signal switch, lock cylinder

Question
The ignition is not working. I think something broke in the steering column. Do you have a diagram of the steering column and what I might need to do to fix the problem?

Answer
Hi Tony:
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 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
I hope this helps you