I had the same problem with my 01 Eclipse.. You need to remove the side panel on your console and the panel under the steering wheel. There are two cables ..one goes to key and the other to brake. If you look under the wheel where the key goes you will see a little screw and that lets you remove the cable . There is a small piece holding the cable and you need to remember the position it goes in ( unless you are removing it completely ) I hung my cable up an run WD40 through it until it was clean and then re-installed it.. Works like a charm ever since..

 

Yah I want it to be permanently removed

 

At the ignition just remove the cable but you need to put the little metal piece and the screw back.. I believe it also holds the key cylinder in but not sure but you will find that out when you do the job.. Good luck

 

Where you able to find your fix with the information I gave you .