Chrysler Repair: Ignition Lock for 2002 Dodge Stratus, steering wheel lock, dodge stratus

Question
Dear Roland:

I have been having problems lately turning the ignition key to my 2002 Dodge Stratus. Usually, I fiddle with it and the problem corrects itself. Today I went out to start the car, temperature about 55 degrees Farenheit, and it just locked up with resolve. I reamed on the steering wheel (counterclockwise), hoping to move the key. Now the steering wheel is looking at me ram's head upside down; the steering wheel has no play; I can't move the automatic transmission stick at all. Electrical systems are fine but this car is not going anywhere.  I would hate to think that I really have to pay a wrecker $100 to take the car to some dealer who is going to charge me $300 to tell me that I have to spend $89 on a new ignition cylinder and $187 on labor. The car has 120, 000 miles on it. Advice?

Answer
The closest manual I have is for '04 but I believe it is probably applicable to your '02. There appears to be a somewhat complex relationship between the key cylinder, the transmission gear shift lever and even the brake pedal, as well as the normal steering wheel lock. The relationship is governed by a cable that is adjustable. If you would like I can copy about 10 pages from the '04 CD I have of the manual and send those as an attachment to an email. I need to know a email address. So send me a follow-up question and click on the 'private' option (otherwise any such address is automtically deleted) and in the text list your email address. I don't routinely receive those addresses unless you specifically tell me via this approach. Thanks for the rating.
Roland