Suddenly my key stopped working. I tried all three of my keys with the same result..no result. Suspected the steering column interlock and had just removed the steering wheel and dived under the dash to try to figure things out when my friend arrived. A self-proclaimed genius, he proceeded to jiggle the key in a certain way and it worked. His theory, the pins in the ignition switch were worn and the best course of action would be to have a competent locksmith make a new master key, based on the current configuration of the pins. He felt this would be cheaper and easier than finding a new ignition switch and replacing it. Anyone have experience like this?

Also, if I opt for the new switch, how the heck do you replace it? Looks like you actually have to undo those two sets of clamps and pull the upper steering column completely out of the dash. I imagine there are indexing considerations and what about those two blind fasteners on the uppermost clamp? Anyone have a written procedure? The Haynes manual is silent on this, as is Google.