Merci, How are you doing ? sounds like you are really in a jam. Im pulling for ya. As far as getting the switch separated from the connector insert a screwdriver between where the metal meets the plastic and pry out just a little then move around the switch in this manner a little at a time. the connector has posts that are about 3/8" long and are pretty snug in the switch. As far as specific symptoms of a failing switch it depends on what part of the unit takes a dump, in my case the key had to be rotated almost to the end of its travel before the car would start and just before it completty died I needed to wiggle it around to find the sweet spot to get the car started. Hope this helps? and I wish you good luck.