Some part of the ignition has failed. I believe it to be the tumblers or part of that assembly. When you turn it past start it will just crank and crank, sometimes though when you turn the key past start it will go forward one more click (one side of the key pointed down at the bottom of the dash the other pointed at the steering wheel.) Sometimes it gets stuck, sometimes it doesn't. Any ideas? Help!

replace the switch. The key cylinder is probably still good if the tab hasn't broken off the end. What you are describing doesn't sound like tumblers because all they do is allow the key to operate.

Can that part of the column be taken apart without deploying the air bag? The last time I had to do this was in my 73 Dart Sport. So a "modern" column is new territory for me. -BD

do an online search on "how to replace A 94 Dakota ignition switch". You should get the info you need.