Ignition switch will not turn,HELP!!

[rdana]

My daughters 98 3.8 Windstar's ignition will not turn. We have tried moving the steering wheel and the shift lever to get the key to turn.
The Chilton manual says the lock can be removed by inserting a 1/8" tool into the hole under the cylinder and turning the key to the run position,and pull the cylinder out. The problem is that the key will not turn to the run position. I have not tried to remove it yet,for fear of damaging the lock assembly.. Can you help..

THANKS BOB

[tomj76]

I've not dealt with this specific problem, but I've taken the lock out of the column. The Chilton Manual is correct, the key cylinder doesn't come out unless the key is in the run position.

Is the key OK? Try a different key.

Is there damage to the cylinder? Internally?

The plastic cover could be removed, and you might be able to check the interlocks and look for problems this way.