There are 2 headless screws holding the ignition switch bracket to the steering column how do you remove them so you can remove the switch?

most cars are same, and very hard. no steering wheel pull this time...cool.
the FSM covers it.
the alldata.com does too.
its mounted with security screws on most cars, (headless)
10 steps remove only. and air bags are mech, killers, heed it.

1. Disable the air bag system, as outlined in Section 6 of this manual.
2. Remove the lower panel of the dashboard.
3. Remove the knee bolster.
4. Remove the steering column upper and lower covers.
5. Unplug the connectors from the ignition switch.
6. Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
7. Lower the steering column.
8. Center punch the shear bolts.
9. Use a 3/16" (5mm) drill bit to drill out the heads of the bolts.
10. Remove the shear bolts, then remove the lock cylinder assembly.

This may or may not help,but i found this

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Disable the SIR System.
2. Battery negative cable.
3. Knee bolster and IP steering column reinforcement. NOTICE: The steering column should never be supported by only the lower support bracket alone, damage to the column lower bearing adapter could result.
4. Lower support bracket from vehicle (2 bolts).
5. Upper column support from IP (2 bolts).
6. Lower steering column so that it rests on the driver seat.
7. Ignition switch wiring protector.
8. Ignition switch retaining screw and nut.
9. Ignition and turn signal switch column harness connectors from IP harness.
10. Turn signal switch connector from column harness.
11. Ignition switch, harness, and connector. Important

o DO NOT splice ignition switch wires.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

1. Ignition switch, securing with retaining screws.

o Adjust ignition switch. Steering Column Unit Repair.

2. Turn signal switch connector to column harness.
3. Ignition and turn signal switch column harness connectors to IP harness.
4. Ignition switch wiring protector.
5. Raise steering column to support bracket.
6. Two bolts to upper support bracket. Do not tighten fully at this time.
7. Bolt and nut to lower support bracket.

o Align column to instrument panel opening. A small shim (wedge) placed between the instrument panel column support bracket and the column can be used to hold the column stationary while tightening the upper support bolts.
o Upper and lower column support bolts and nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).

8. IP steering column reinforcement plate and knee bolster.
9. Battery negative cable.
10. Enable the SIR system.
super vag k+can v4.8

Ignition Lock Cylinder REMOVAL & INSTALLATION NOTE: On 1974-76 models, equipped with A.C.R.S. perform the special procedure for removing the air cushion module from the steering wheel if necessary, prior to removing the lock cylinder. Standard Steering Column

1. Remove the steering wheel.
2. Remove the lockplate cover assembly.
3. After compressing the lockplate spring, remove the snapring from the groove in the shaft. CAUTION
   When the snapring is removed do not allow the shaft to slide out the bottom of the column.
   
4. Remove the lockplate, then slide the turn signal cam and the upper bearing preload spring off the upper steering shaft.
5. Remove the thrust washer from the shaft.
6. Remove the hazard warning switch from the column along with the turn signal lever.
7. Use the following procedure if the car is equipped with cruise control.
   1. Attach a piece of stiff wire to the connector on the cruise control switch harness.
   2. Gently pull the harness up and out of the column.
8. Remove the turn signal switch mounting screws.
9. Slide the switch connector out of the bracket on the steering column.
10. After freeing the switch wiring protector from its mounting, pull the turn signal switch straight up and remove the switch, switch harness and the connector from the column.
11. Turn the ignition switch to ON or RUN, then insert a small drift pin into the slot next to the switch mounting screw boss. Push the lock cylinder tab and remove the lock cylinder.
12. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Fig. 1: Ignition lock removal - standard column
    

Tilt Column

1. Remove the steering wheel.
2. Remove the rubber sleeve bumper from the steering shaft.
3. Using an appropriate tool, remove the plastic retainer.
4. Using a spring compressor, depress the upper steering shaft spring and remove the C-ring. Release the steering shaft lockplate, the horn contact carrier, and the upper steering shaft preload spring.
5. Remove the four screws which hold the upper mounting bracket, then remove the bracket.
6. Slide the harness connector out of the bracket on the steering column. Tape the upper part of the harness and connector.
7. Disconnect the hazard button and position the shift bowl in Park. Remove the turn signal lever from the column.
8. Use the following procedure for cars with cruise control.
   1. Remove the harness protector from the harness.
   2. Attach a piece of piano wire to the switch harness connector.
   3. Before removing the turn signal lever, loop a piece of piano wire and insert it into the turn signal lever opening. Using the wire, pull the cruise control harness out through the opening.
   4. Pull the rest of the harness up through and out of the column.
   5. Remove the guide wire from the connector and secure the wire to the column.
   6. Remove the turn signal level.
9. Pull the turn signal switch up until the end connector is within the shift bowl. Remove the hazard flasher lever. Allow the switch to hang.
10. Place the ignition key in the run position.
11. Depress the center of the lock cylinder retaining tab with a small prytool, then remove the lock cylinder. On some model remove the lock cylinder retaining screw. To install:
    
12. When assembling the lock cylinder, rotate the key to the stop position while holding the cylinder and push the cylinder in all the way.
13. Install the retaining screw on those models so equipped, and tighten to 40 inch lbs. (4.5 Nm).
14. Install all components in the reverse of the removal procedure order. Check switch for proper operation. Fig. 2: Installing ignition lock - tilt column
    

Hello ainique. Here is a detailed step-by-step set of instructions to get your job done right!

1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, using a wrench. Remove the upper and lower steering wheel covers directly behind the steering wheel using a Phillips screwdriver. Lower the steering column by removing the three 15-mm nuts in the support bracket, using a 15-mm socket.
   

2. Make sure the ignition switch is in the lock position. Remove the two screws in the dimmer switch, using a socket. Allow it to hang free. Disconnect the electrical connector on the ignition switch.
   

3. Remove the three screws in the ignition switch and lift the switch up and off the protruding actuation rod.
   

4. Install the ignition switch, making sure that the protruding rod is inserted into the hole in the bottom of the ignition switch. Install the three screws and tighten them. Pull the plastic locating pin out of the switch and throw it away.
   

5. Plug the electrical connector into the ignition switch. Install the dimmer switch by making sure the rod is inserted properly in the turn signal lever cavity. Hold the dimmer switch and insert the rod into the switch cavity and place the switch against the ignition switch bracket. Insert the two screws and lightly push the dimmer switch toward the turn signal lever until all slack is removed. Tighten the two screws.
   

6. Lift the steering column into place under the dashboard. Install the securing nuts and tighten. Install the two halves of the steering column.
   

Removal & Installation

Before continuing with this procedure, make sure to have available a new steering wheel retaining bolt and two lock cylinder retaining bolts. Once removed, these parts lose their torque holding ability (or retention capability) and must not be reused.

1. If equipped, disarm the air bag system and disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the steering wheel.
   
3. Remove the combination switch.
   
4. Unplug the wiring connector to the ignition switch.
   
5. Remove the ignition and shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt and position the assembly to one side.
   
6. Remove the four steering column bracket bolts and lower the steering column.
   
7. Cut a groove in the ignition cylinder bracket bolts with a chisel and hammer or use a similar method.
   
8. Using a screwdriver, remove and discard the bracket bolts.
   
9. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder and bracket.
   

Unfasten the ignition and shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt, and position the assembly to one side

Use a chisel and hammer to cut a groove in the ignition cylinder bracket bolts-1991-96 models shown; 1997-99 models similar

To install:

1. Install the new ignition switch and the bracket into position on the steering column tube.
   
2. Install the new lock cylinder bolts and tighten the bolts enough to hold the switch in position.
   
3. Check for proper switch operation by rotating the key to each position. If necessary, reposition the lock cylinder until it operates properly.
   
4. If positioned properly, tighten the retaining bolts until the bolt head shears off.
   
5. Raise and position the steering column. Tighten the bracket bolts to 80-124 inch lbs. (9-14 Nm).
   
6. If equipped with tilt column, remove the upper mounting bracket retaining pin.
   
7. Position the interlock cable bracket. Install and tighten the retaining bolt to 35-53 inch lbs. (4-6 Nm).
   
8. Attach the wiring connector to the ignition switch.
   
9. Install the combination switch.
   
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
    
11. Confirm operational status of the air bag system by turning the ignition key to the RUN position and visually monitoring the air bag indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. The indicator lamp should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds and then turn OFF. If the indicator lamp does not illuminate, stays ON, or flashes at any time, a fault has been detected by the air bag diagnostic monitor.
    
12. Check the steering wheel, horn and combination switch functions for proper operation.
    

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There are special tools that are needed. If you don't have them, I wouldn't advise that you attempt the repair. However, some auto parts stores, such as Auto Zone, will lend you the tools at no charge, but you must leave a deposit to cover the cost of replacement, in the event that you do not bring them back.

First, DISCONNECT the battery. Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, so it's important to remove the power source before removing the air bag.

Next, located the screws on the back side of the steering wheel. You will most likely need a 7mm socket to remove them. After removing the screws, you should then be able to remove the combination air bag with attached horn pad. Don't yank on it, but once you carefully pull the cover away from the steering column, remove the wires attaching the air bag to the connector plug, and also remove the horn wire by twisting counter-clockwise. You will then see a lock nut holding the steering wheel securely onto the steering shaft. Remove this with the correct size socket, by firmly grasping the steering column with one hand, and turning the ratchet counter clockwise with the other. It might be easier to leave the steering wheel locked, or else have someone hole the wheel in place while you turn the ratchet. Once you have removed the nut, you will next attach the locking plate compressing tool by turning it clockwise on the steering shaft until seated. Using a wrench at the top, usually a 9/16", hold that portion in place while turning the bigger nut that makes the arms compress the locking plate. Once you move the locking plate down about an 1/8th of an inch, you will see the locking ring, which you carefully remove using a flat tip screwdriver. Slide that ring upwards over the shaft of the compression tool, the remove the tool. The locking plate will now be free. You now need to remove the 4 way flasher knob on the outside of the upper steering column, using a #1 posi-drive phillips screwdriver, or at least a good quality #1 screwdriver that isn't damaged at the tip. Remove the turn signal cancel cam, which also protrudes through the locking plate you just removed. It is also used for the horn and air bag. Be careful how you remove it. Next, you will see a pan head phillips screw, that secures a small actuator arm that runs to the turn signal/headlight dimmer lever, to the left of the steering shaft. Carefully note the position of the arm before removing, so you know how it goes back into place when reattaching. You will then remove three attaching screws holding the turn signal switch into place. Once you remove those screws, pull the switch out just far enough so that you can see the bolt to the right of the steering shaft, that holds the ignition lock cyliner in place. Once you remove that bolt, which will be black in color, make sure the ignition switch is in the run position, the pull it straight out. Repeat this process in reverse order to reinstall.

Now, if you really did mean ignition switch and not ignition lock cylinder, you will need to remove the trim cover below the dash, and most likely the hard plastic trim directly below the steering column itself. That will be another metal bracket behind that, which is usually found on vehicles equipped with airbags. Remove that bracket. After that, look up at the bottom of the steering column. You will see a black bracket attached to the steering column itself. Remove the four 13mm bolts, two on each side, that are used to secure the bracket to the column. Next, remove the two 15mm nuts holding the bracket itself to the underside of the dash. You will then be able to lower the column, at which time you will see the inition switch. Remove the 8mm head screws that attach the ignition switch to the steering column. When installing the new switch, be sure to have the rod with the bend on the end of it, fit securely up into the switch, before installing and tightening the mounting screws. Only put the screws in finger tight, or if using a socket and ratchet, to night tighten down all the way. Make sure the ignition lock cyliner is in the lock position, and the key is out if it wasn't done so already. Now yo can tighten down the screws and reinstall the parts you removed in the reverse order of removal.
Hope this helps.

The ignition switch is located on the top of the steering column underneath the dash.

1. Remove the cover panel from under the steering column and you should see the bracket that holds up the steering column, but before you un-bolt the bracket to lower the steering column, you must remove the clip holding the shifter position indicator cable to the column. (put the shifter into drive and you should be able to see the screw that holds the shift indicator cable adjusting clip to the steering column)

2. Remove the bracket holding up the steering column and carefully let the steering column down as far as it will go, the steering wheel will probably be resting on the seat.

3. You should now be able to see the ignition switch on the top of the steering column, and the two mounting bolts. The high beam switch might share the upper ignition switch bolt, and you will then need to remove the high beam switch before you can remove the ignition switch.

4. Remove the ignition switch mounting bolts (usually 5/16 but I have also seen 11/32 and 3/8 size bolt heads used)

5. Remove the ignition switch by lifting straight up from the column to dis-engage the interlink rod from the ignition tumbler assembly, you should then be able to pull the ignition over towards you just enough to dis-connect the two wire connectors to the switch and then you can remove the old switch from the vehicle. (the interlink rod is sticking straight up from the steering column and it slides up and down with the operation of the key, it fits into a notch in the ignition switch and that is what actuates the switch)

6. Reverse procedure to install new switch, starting with re-connecting the wire connectors and be sure that the interlink rod goes into the notch in the ignition switch.

7. When the switch has been re-installed and is ready to be adjusted, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and hold the key in that position and slide the ignition switch up and down until it is in the on position and your dash lights come on, tighten up the ignition switch mounting bolts and then test the operation of the switch, and re-adjust if necessary until the switch operates properly.

8. Adjust the high beam switch by pulling back on the high beam lever and just taking up the slack in the actuator rod to the high beam switch, test the operation of the high beam switch and re-adjust if necessary.

9. When the steering column is bolted back up, re-attach and adjust the shifter position indicator by placing the shifter in neutral and slide the adjusting cable clip until the shift indicator is pointing in the neutral position, test the function of the shift indicator and adjust as necessary.

The steering column needs to be dropped to get at it.

Put blocks behind your tires, your car could shift out of park while repairing.

First remove the dash cover below the steering column. Carefully remove the metal clip for the transmission gear shift indicator, and note it's position. Then remove the two bolts from the metal bracket holding the column in place. It should float freely now.

The ignition switch is on top of the column, on the left side. There should be a metal rod and a whole bunch of wires running to it. There are two screws holding the bracket to the column.

Be careful with that rod, if it falls out of the column, it is almost impossible to put back!

I don't know what a new ignition switch comes with, but there should be some instructions for wiring.

Good luck!

lock cylinder removal

Section 11-04: Steering Column 1996 Escort, Tracer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Removal

1. WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT NECESSARY FOR DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE DEPLOYMENT IS POWERED DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE MUST BE DISCONNECTED PRIOR TO SERVICING OR REPLACING ANY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
   Remove the steering wheel (3600). Refer to the procedure in this section.
   

1. Remove the multi-function switch (13K359). Refer to Section 11-05 for the removal procedure.
   

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   

1. Remove the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt and position the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket and the ignition/shifter interlock cable (3F719) aside.
   
   
   
   
   

1. Remove the four steering column upper mounting bracket bolts and lower the steering column (3C529).
   

1. Use a hammer and chisel to make a groove in the head of each of the two ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts.
   
   
   
   
   

1. Remove the two ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts with a screwdriver and discard the bolts.
   
   
   
   
   

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder and the ignition switch lock cylinder bracket.
   

Installation

1. Position the ignition switch lock cylinder and bracket and install two new bolts, tightening them only enough to hold the ignition switch lock cylinder in position.
   

1. With the key in the ignition, verify the operation of the ignition switch lock cylinder. If necessary, reposition the ignition switch lock cylinder until it operates properly.
   

1. Tighten the ignition switch lock cylinder bracket bolts until the bolt heads break off.
   

1. Position the steering column and install the four steering column upper mounting bracket bolts. Tighten the steering column upper mounting bracket bolts to 9-14 Nm (80-124 lb-in).
   

1. On vehicles equipped with tilt column, remove the upper mounting bracket retaining pin.
   

1. Position the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket and install the bolt. Tighten the ignition/shifter interlock cable mounting bracket bolt to 4-6 Nm (35-53 lb-in).
   

1. Connect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   

1. Install the multi-function switch. Refer to Section 11-05 for the installation procedure.
   

1. Install the steering wheel. Refer to the procedure in this section.
   

1. Inspect the shift interlock system. Refer to Section 07-05 for the procedure.
   

get a proper steering wheel puller, pull the steering wheel off. remove the screw for the hazard switch. remove 1 screw and a metal bracket for the signal switch. remove 3 screws holding the white switch in top of column. Then you need to pull this switch up out of the way, but in order to do this without wrecking it, you need to remove the plastic panels underneith the column to get at the column mounting bolts. there should be 2 13mm nuts holding the column to the dash. remove these. then there should be 4 13mm bolts holding the bracket to the column. remove these and there should be a plastic casing that th wires go through. remove this and unplug the wiring. now you can push the wiring up and out of the way without wrecking your signal switch. now remove 1 philips head screw holding the ignition switch in place and pry it out gently with a flat screwdriver.

installation is reverse procedure of removal