Well, yesterday my 96 Civic Ex ignition key wouldn't turn all the way to the "0" position. The engine would shut off fine, but the radio stays on as well as that door sound when it is open. I had to disconnect the battery so it wouldn't drain on me. The key comes out fine and starts the car fine but when I shut off the engine, the key doesn't rotate all the way to "0". Well, I thought the key might be the problem so I got the spare one out. Inserted in but it would only go half way in. Funny thing is that still like that it switched on the engine. WTH! It also wouldn't rotate back to the "0" position. I used my house key and the thing also started the car! Even a screwdriver easily! So the spare key can be inserted all the way in but the spare one only half way. Both switch the engine on fine. What possibly needs replaced here guys and do you recommend buying that part on eBay. Short on cash at the moment.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

Since no one has responded to your question yet, I will. I'm a total noob here and my response will not give you an answer but I'll tell you what I've "heard" anyway: My 93 and your 96 are part of a block of civics that make it "the easiest" cars to steal. Something about the inside of the ignition switch can be easily broken (or perhaps just break in your scenario) and anything will start it.
Doesn't answer anything. Sorry. Just some backstory.

 

You should look at the oem honda parts site...clear as day what you need to order.

 

Thanks for that and trying to help rick.

 

What OEM Honda Parts site and how am I going to know what to order exactly?

 

Majestic Honda is where I shop.

Use the VIN from the car as your initial search parameter and then find the ignition switch in the drop down menu.

 

OFFICIAL DIY: How to replace ignition and/or unlock steering column | ClubCivic.com - Your Online Civic Community

 

SOLVED! Thanks guys for trying to help.

I thought somebody tried to steal my car and somehow left a piece of metal inside the lock as I noticed also that the key wouldn't go all the way in. After a couple weeks of headaches, worries (a mechanic quoted me $300 to replace the whole ignition switch) and being ready to buy an ignition lock cylinder, which by the way costs $22 + tax and shipping on Autozone online, $20 probably in your local store (mine didn't have it available) and do the job myself, suddenly a light bulb came on in my head this morning and I decided to spray ole WD-40 in the dam cylinder keyhole. Amazing. I feel so stupid! It took EXACTLY one second to resolve this issue. Key went farther in this time and everything shuts off properly now, apparently. So WD-40 again saves the day!!! Thanks again.

UPDATE 2 YEARS LATER: Haven't had a problem with the ignition switch since I sprayed WD-40 in the keyhole.