Abstract: An ignition switch sensor having a plurality of contacts arranged on a sensor to make intermittent contact with a movable contact and generate a first plurality of outputs corresponding to the position of the movable contact relative to the plurality of contacts. A power mode module receives the first plurality of outputs and compares the outputs to data stored within the memory of the module and provides a second plurality outputs according to the value of the first plurality of outputs. A theft resistor may be integrated into the ignition switch sensor circuitry to facilitate protection from tampering and unauthorized starting of the vehicle's engine.