A tech question, I am finally trying to sort out my no start/no Dash lights/ no nothing, but just a tick, tick, tick sound and corresponding tick movement from instrument needles.

Replaced; LCM and BCM, and even had them checked by 'Merv', replaced upper steering column, nothing changed:(

Now with the decent weather I have removed the whole dashboard shebang and removed the Ignition Switch from the dashboard.

I have a new ignition #6901 961 on order.

My questions;

1, with the old unit on the workbench is it worth simply removing the anti-key turn plunger piston, as I certainly don't need this feature.

2, if I insert the key into the dismantled ignition switch I can turn the switch forward and back no problem but I can't remove the key without removing the internal plastic/metal parts of the barrel, ignition switch is totally apart in 3 bits, electrical, solenoid unit, and finally key lock barrel.

Any tech advice much appreciated.
Rich L322 3.6 TDV8 Vogue. 07MY
ML 320 7 Seat full leather etc. (The Black Pearl)