I went out this morning and started my 2007 F150. It started up and ran for about 5 seconds and then died. I reached up turned the key and tried to start it, when I let go of the key it stayed engaged and the starter continued to turn. I had to turn the key back out of the start position. Subsequent tries had the same result. I then tried to shift out of park to see if this was the problem, but the shifter is locked in the park position. When you turn the key it sticks in the start position and the shifter remains locked. Someone told me I might have a problem with the ignition actuator switch or actuator plate or actuator rod? Does this sound familiar and how difficult is it to fix? I am mechanically inclined and can probably fix it myself but dont want to start taking the steering column apart if the problem is elsewhere.

Thanks for any help you can give me.