# Bad ignition switch? Or bad tumbler?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-ignition-switch-or-bad-tumbler/34757>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mercury, sable, ignition\
**Created:** [August 9, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-ignition-switch-or-bad-tumbler/34757 "2009-08-09T15:20:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![chandraj81278](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@chandraj81278](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chandraj81278)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bad-ignition-switch-or-bad-tumbler/34757/1 "2009-08-09T15:20:11Z")

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A few days ago, I went to start my car and when I stuck the key in the ingnition, everything seemed normal, until I tried to start it and the ignition switch felt loose, and my engine wouldn’t turn over. I tried turning it off and starting again, and nothing. I took my key out of the ignition and everything in the car stayed on! Lights, radio, indicator lights on the dash, door chimes, everything. The only way I could turn all that stuff off was to disconnect the battery. I did have the battery tested, and it’s perfect. Since the ignition switch felt loose (no tension like when you would normally start the car) , I assume it something to do with the ignition system, or something in my steering column. Any insight?