Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

Last evening my battery died and I think what happened is that I had turned the key to acc. and removed it. My key worn to where it almost looks like a blank. Is there a newer switch that would have a more positive click or engagement in each position?

I put in a new battery this afternoon and the other one was 4 years old and its condition was not known. I tested the new battery and it was drawling .02 with the meter between the neg and then .17 while connected to the truck with both leads.

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

You can get new ignition locks - I think member LockDoc sells some.

There are people who have converted to a modern keyless start, but I can't see it being worth the effort. A board search would probably find some examples.

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

.17 amp draw is pretty small. Do you have an aftermarket radio? Just get a new switch for the removal issue. What you experienced is quite common. However-

My wife's Kia Soul battery went dead and I took it up to the parts store. It was 4 or 5 years old, and truly dead. I took the new battery home and put it in, and checked for draw- found a 6 amp draw (inductive ammeter). I went to Kia, and the service manager let me check a few Souls. One was sitting there with a 10 amp draw! Turns out that after you shut them off, stuff is still going on, like capacitors for the air bags draining off current (though I would have thought that that current would be going back into the battery). So, if you have some sort of aftermarket thing like a radio or a clock, I can easily see .17 amps, since they need power to continue operation.

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

On the new stuff You have to let it sit with the doors and everything open for a few minutes with your meter already in line between the negative cable and the battery. They take a bit for the modules to go to sleep, then the parasitic draw should drop below 30-50 miliamps.

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

Just get a new ignition lock cylinder from the nearest parts store (!13-$16).

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHKS6491

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

One thing I have done in the past is install a battery cut-off switch to isolate the battery. I like these installed in an inconspicuous place to also act as a theft deterrent. It can be a pain if you program in stations on your radio however. Just a thought.

Re: Is there way to modernize the key switch?
 

The same thing happened to me years ago after I loaned my truck to a friend. A new stock-type switch fixed the problem. I now have to consciously turn it to the accessory position, and in that position the key won't pull out.