Have you separated the connector that ties steering column wiring(from ignition switch) to wiring harness that feeds starter/ignition circuit?

There are 6 main wires, blue, red, brown, yellow etc. One of these 6 is only energized when ignition switch is in 'start' position thereby bypassing ballast and going directly to coil positive. I forget which one,,,test light or schematic will tell you.

If connection for that wire at the connector is not solid, wiil cause exactly the problem you are experiencing. Same goes for bulkhead connection for this wire.