To remove the ignition switch/barrel does the whole column need to come off? is there a procedure available?
No, just the plastic covers. There is a thread on the forum somewhere on how to remove the lock. As I said, you have to drill a hole in the security shear bolt and use an easy out. I can only find this at the moment: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/ferrari-348-ignition-switch.585995/#post-146235069 I think there is one or two screws and the shear bolt.
so was in the process of removing the switch, before I started I checked to see if the fault was currently present, which it was I.e ignition would only come on if i shorted the amp wires. I left the key on with the amp wires disconnected, and was handling the ignition switch connector (white plug into black plug) this caused the ignition to come on, the more I handled it the ignition would jump on and off. The white connector seemed to be plugged into the black connector unevenly, I noticed this burn mark on the white connector. looking back through my photos from a few weeks ago you can just about see what I mean regarding the uneven connection in the last photo, could this possibly cause the overheat? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The other red cable appears to be ok, it’s just the joined red cable which displays evidence of overheating Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm not sure why Ferrari used a jumper wire (on the key side of the white plug). If you cut off the jumper wire (and threw it away). Then moved the thick red wire on the other half of the plug (car side) to match the remaining red wire on the key side, you should be good to go. Looking at the plugs from the wire side.... Image Unavailable, Please Login