A strange and sudden symptom has plauged my 1995 850. When it is turned off, with the key in the ignition (or not), when I step on the brake pedal, the headlights come on. The interior seatbelt warning lights also come on, dimly. This happens regardless if the headlight switch is turned on or off. My suspicion is the ignition switch is going bad - last weekend (the day before I noticed this symptom, in fact), the key did not want to turn. Being the herculoid moron I am, I rocked the key back and forth in the positions it would engage until I forced it to start. Since then, the ignition switch has been silky-smooth, but I fear I may have broken something internal in the ignition switch.

Other than the headlights/warning lights coming on when the car is turned off and my foot is on the brake, the ignition switch functions normally.

I also read of a similar problem on brickboard, (http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=712371&show_all=1), but was not able to find any information on the problem resolution from the owner. Anyone had experience with replacing the ignition switch in an 850? I have the Haynes' manual and do most preventative maintenence myself - the switch replacement looks very straightforward and easy to accomplish. Do I need a dealer to set the pins to match my key or can I do this myself?

Comments/experiences/suggestions appreciated!

Thanks,

Ted