key wont turn

My sister has a 1998 Caviler... the key wont turn... the steering wheel is locked and will only move left or right about a 1/4 of an inch. Usually when this happens to cars i drive i can turn the wheel and get the car started. This time nothing. I have tried everything! Pressing the break... using force, using little force. I looked for a trans release switch to try to get it into neutrel (automatic car). Any ideas before she has to tow it somewhere?

thanks in advance for the help!

I work in a garage and we have to deal with very similar stuff all the time. Usually its just the locked steering wheel, so just keep trying that.

And is the car in park? Sometimes the key wont turn if the car isnt in park.

I just went through the same exact thing with my '97 Cavalier and it's a pain, but you need to spray some WD-40 in the lock itself and on the key. Just keep playing with it back and forth until it finally engages. Once it engages, keep turning it off and on until it's well lubricated. I did this and mine works like new now. If that doesn't work, I'd suggest a new ignition switch. Hope it works for you as well. Later! Bill