Y'all are getting way too serious. I know its pure chance and not the chip. She maybe doesn't know, but that's my responsibility and she will ultimately trust my judgement. Just my lame attempt at humor.

The basic question, maybe, is this a common problem? In the last twelve months I've spent many $$$ to avoid problems on the road, including Level II service, transmission service, motor mounts, most front end parts, struts, radiator, water pump, T'stat, hoses, belts, starter, etc. Who would have thought broken ignition switch?

I used to do my own mechanical work but now I pay to have the work done. I personally prefer to spend my non-office time renovating the house and playing with my seven year old son. I respect and admire those who do their own repairs.

Just as a reader, this board has been immensely helpful in understanding my car and knowing what can and will go wrong at 145,000 miles and linking to other sources of information. I usually understand what you guys are talking about (except maybe clutch plates in automatic transmissions (grin)).

I love driving the car and don't mind spending $$$. Especially to avoid trouble on the road. Yesterday's trip back on the tow truck was disappointing (especially since it just had another trip last month when the radiator blew). I really don't want it to get too comfortable being carried around (grin).

The coincidence is a bitch, but I know Mark's chip cannot possibly be the cause. As for the chip, you guys are right. It seems to have removed the "sluggish" feel to this car. As soon as the ignition switch is fixed I look forward to many more years of enjoyable driving. And hopefully, no more tow trucks! Thank you, frequent posters and generous sources of great knowledge. I would gladly reciprocate if you should have some complicated, late night, income tax questions.