well last night i went to wal-mart, when i come back out and try to start the car, when i crank the car it will run, but when i let go of the ignition, so it returns to the spot it sits when running the car shuts off. I managed to hold the key halfway and drive home with 1 hand but i cant do this all the time. Is this the ignition switch itself? or is there a problem somewhere else because my positive cable from the battery also burnt up and im unsure if it damaged the cilaniod.

 

the ignition lock cylinder is bad. need a new one.
it will come with new keys, but you can bring it to a locksmith if you wish to maintain usage of your current key.

the wiring is probably because of the ignition, too.

 

My money is on the actual electrical ignnition switch inside the column.I'd bet the lock cylinder is fine.

 

ok, i want to replace replace both, how easy/hard would this be. Also, i always have trouble finding 83-85 parts, can anyone recoomend a place to get a new switch and cylinder.

 

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...1&comp=LRS

This should be it...
You can check w/ the dealer for a Motocraft or if not you can check with Napa.

 

I concur!

 

Pretty easy to install

 

thanks fellas, hopfully ill be able to put them on myself.