Hi all, this is my first post, hope it is not a silly one. I have been reading post on this site since Feb of this year when I bought my 1997 Discovery. I have found this site very educational and I hope someone can help. My question is about the small square box attached to the side of the ignition switch that clicks when the key is turned on or off. What is the box and how important is it? I recently had to change out my ignition switch and now sometimes my key will get stuck in the ignition and the only way I can get it out is to lift the little lever on top of this small box with a screw-driver and then I can turn the key all the way to off and remove it. Thanks in advance guys.

 

Is your truck a manual? I think they stopped with the manuals in 1996.
My 1997 has no such "box" on the steering colum si I have no idea what you are talking bout, sorry.
Can you post a pic of this box?

 

My truck is an auto. Here is a pic. Thanks

[IMG]local://upfiles/11586/149AECDEEC5A45C69EF002CAEA1F7D77.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/11586/B09B786B3AA64DD093BCE5FA3B9894C3.jpg[/IMG]

 

I think that is theignition lock, its what keeps you from removing the key with the engine running.
Somebody who know about ignitions will chime in.

 

I think Spike555 is correct, it may be the ignition lock mechanism that locks your steering column when you take out the key.
When you rotate the key does a spring loaded steel pin come out that would go into the slot in the steering column? If this is the case then be careful that your steeringdoes not lock up when you are driving if it has been assembled incorrectly!
When I had trouble withmy 96 disco ignition switch,it ended up being a worn out lock mechanism that stopped the ignition being turned on, and it was a fiddly process reassembling all the parts correctly so that everything worked properly

Cheers
wizard from Australia

 

my 1997 discovery key will not come out when placed in park or any position. I took the ignitioncover off and key came out put cover back on and then key would not come out. I think it is in the ignition. key does not turn off enough to lock the sterring wheel.