Some people think a vehicle's ignition switch is the device that the ignition key turns--that's actually the lock cylinder; the ignition switch is installed within the steering column and connects to the cylinder. If you need to remove your Dodge Caravan's ignition switch for any reason, use extreme caution because you're working with the electrical system.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery--remove the cover from the air filter housing by loosening the clamp holding it to the inlet tube, then loosen the clamp nut to detach the black cable from its battery post. Note: the Caravan's Powertrain Control Module can lose information stored in its memory when you disconnect the battery; it may need time to re-learn it once you reconnect the battery. To access the ignition switch, remove the knee bolster by removing its mounting screws and pulling it straight out, then remove the steering column covers by removing the lower cover's screws and separating the cover halves.
The ignition switch is mounted to the steering column with a single Torx head mounting screw. Use a Number 10 Torx bit to remove the screw (on older models, check to see if you need a different type or size bit). There are two retaining tabs located where the switch connects to the steering column. Depress both of these tabs to pull the ignition switch out of the steering column. To disconnect the electrical connector from the switch, press on the release tab located at the end of the connector and pull it away from the ignition switch.
