Yep. 99% sure this is your problem.
Get an ignition switch and a 'tamper resistant' torx bit to remove the old one.
> > Since one often finds Ford and Mercury vehicles at the same dealership, > I'm
> > hoping that this is the appropriate group to post to about this. If I'm
> > wrong, I'd appreciate any re-direction.
> >
> > I may be inheriting an 87 model Mercury Lynx from my father. According to
> > him, it has a starter or ignition problem that I will need to repair. > >
> > Per his description, the car will start normally (or would, the last time
> it
> > was tried). The engine will only remain on if the key is kept turned to > the
> > forward starting position, or slightly forward of the normal run position.
> > If left alone in the normal run position, the car will stall.
> >
> > My first thought was a bad wiring harness in the steering column, but a
> > mechanic that he'd spoken to mentioned something about an electronic > device
> > in the dashboard that may be bad. I have no specifics on it beyond that.
> > As a result, I'm not sure where to start running down the cause. I'd just
> > replace the harness from the get go, but if its something simpler to be
> > dealt with then obviously I'd rather not pull the steering wheel etc to
> > replace the harness.
> >
> > Any info from someone that is familiar with this type of problem would be
> > appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
> >
> > --
> > Dave
> >
> >
>
> Check the ignition switch, not the cylinder where you put the key in, but
> the electrical part inside the column.
>
>