Small, red tab at top of ignition key assembly - linked to security system?

[Busbin]

In my 90 Q, there's a small, red metal tab at the top of the ignition key assembly - with the plastic housing removed it's easy to see. This tab is linked to the "press to remove key" button below the key slot. Usually, when one turns the key the "off", the tab moves toward the driver, which in turn allows the "push to release Key" button to be pressed, then the key can be turned to its final position for removal.

With the battery disconnected, my tab moves as described. But with the power own, the tab won't move and the "press to remove key" button can't be pressed in. So I have to manually pull the tab back, then the release button can be pressed.

All is well except that I'm driving around with no cowling on my steering column which conveys the appearance of a car thief at work!

I presume this tab is connected to the security system? Mine had been acting up before this problem occurred. Suggestions on a solution?

Thanks, Jim in the western NC mountains.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

afaik that tab is purely mechanical. i had trouble removing my key when i bought the car and it seems to be a fairly common issue. it's been a few months so my memory is a bit cloudy but what fixed it for me was removing the screw on the side towards the center of the column. i guess there was a binding issue somewhere but after i played with it for a while that's what i came up with.