On the early ignition switch there is a white jumper wire that goes from the off position of the ignition switch (P)(which is always hot) to the turn signal switch (P). This wire is used to power the left or right side park light when the ignition is off.

The wire in my car has found its way to ground and shorted out. I have two spare columns and both of my spares have a failure on the same wire (spares are really melted, mine failed at the press-on w/o any major melting).

My questions:
1. is this a common failure with the early cars?
2. if I eliminate this wire will it affect any thing else? (besides the park lights no longer working)
I will try and fix it, but I need to know my options.
thanks
-Rob
Diagram:
Click to view attachment