I just bought a 95 Dakota Sport off craigslist for 350. Needed a driveshaft strap, IAC valve and an ignition switch. Upon dismantling the column, I have discovered the issue lies in the lock cylinder. The round metal piece at the bottom of the cylinder (its round with a notch and it turns the switch in the electronic box in which the cylinder is attached). Im trying to fix this as quick and cheap as possible so I was wondering how many years these style switches were used. I would rather spend change on one out of a junker than 30 - 70 bucks on a whole cylinder. Maybe other models that had this style?

 

Got mine online , 16.00 with the shipping. .

 

Ended up pickin a whole tumbler off a Dakota in the junkyard with key for 10 bucks. I've got it to spit and sputter now but still not running

 

Hey scotty
got a factoid for you. the front part of the key is used for the ignitition switch the backhalf for unlocking doors so if you find a good lock smith they can make so you have one key for both the doors and the ignitition.
Dude

 

Have you done the iac yet? That could be your problem. If so hope down the ignition line checking that out. Unfortunately I've never tested a coil like these so I'm not sure if the bench test for ohms still works or not but I'm sure some one will enlighten us.