All:

It appears my ignition switch is getting tired, and occasionally, moving the key to "start" doesn't do anything.

The car has been swapped from an auto to a T-5...do I need to get an ignition switch for an auto, or, since I no longer have a need to lock the shifter in position, replace the switch with one for a manual car?

 

Oooo....this is a tricky one (for me, anyway).

Are you still using the auto column or did you swap in a manual column? I think the different columns take different switches. I think you'd buy the switch for the corresponding column.

 

If the problem resolves with changing the tilt a little bit, adjust the switch location with the retaining screws.

There should be nothing different about the switch itself, though a 5 spd car would have differences in wiring for the clutch pedal safety switch.

 

Switches are the same for either trans type. The lock mechanism has nothing to do with the switch itself.

 

Not much to go wrong with the key cylinder, As jmd mentioned above, the actual switch down the column may just need to be adjusted, When you turn the key the mechanism in the column pushes a thin rod that runs down the column to actuate the switch. see if its loose or loosen it and slide toward you and tighten down and test. Hi/lo beam switch works the same way