Ignition Key won't release

I have a 1992 Escort with low miles, it is a great car, except on occasions the Ignition key will not come all the way out. It comes 1/2 to 3/4 of the way but will not release in Park. I can wiggle it, turn it on and off, run the shifter back and forth and play with the steering wheel and usually get it to release. I have lubricated it with penetrant, and I don't mid replacing the switch, but I would really be upset if I had the switch replaced and found out it was a steering or ignition interlock. Any advice or suggestions would be appeciated. Right now when it doesn't release we just leave the key in the ignition and cover the steering column with a cloth and then lock and unlock the doors with another key.

I know you have probably tried the other key, but with mine the key was slightly bent. I laid it on a flat surface and hit it with a hammer. Straightened it right up

You should use graphite (a solid) as a lubricant for lock cylinders, especially ignition switches which have electrical components. It's availablel at any hardware store; especially those that mill keys.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=5898818&postcount=18

EDIT:

Some contradicting information:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1561794256-post19.html
Graphite won't hurt a magnetic strip, but if the key has a pellet like our Corvette keys do or if there is any kind of electronics in the key, I would not use graphite!!! Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Call a dealer and ask if graphite can be used on the lock cylinder.

Well it keeps my door and trunk locks from freezing you can probably keep using there. But it's important that you get the right information so call a professional about the ignition. Chances are you won't get a straight answer other than (bring it in) and replace it.

There's been a couple of recent threads in the Taurus and Windstar Forums that deal with this issue if it is not the simple basics. There is a tang/link, etc., that wears/breaks on Ford's igniton switches. Try searching for terms like ignition, ignition key, ignition lock, key release, ignition switch.... You may want to limit your search to the title, otherwise the body text will give you too many hits.