Chrysler Repair: 1998 Town & Country:Ignition Key will not turn, cable clamp, key cylinder

Question
I went to start my 98 T&C, The key will not turn in either direction, the steering
wheel is not locked into position either ( I can turn it) I am not sure if it is in
park, I tried putting the shift lever into park while someone rocked the car
forward and backward (in the driveway). I feel pretty stuck- any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Lee,
You didn't mention whether when you put it in Park whether it would or wouldn't move in either direction. If it would, then there is some need to adjust the cable clamp at the transmission's vertical shifter rod to which it is attached. I would put the shifter in park, then go to the transmission shifter and release the cable clamp, then rotate the shifter rod lever as far forward as possible, then reset the clamp.
It that doesn't free up the key, then I would believe that the key cylinder itself is faulty and then you could  try to lubricate the interior of that key hole and also the circular seam between the lock cylinder and the housing with some squirts of powdered graphite from a tube with applicator tip of powedered grahite grease from a hardware store. The cylinder may just be binding in its housing.
Try a different ignition key if you have one. Unfortunately the lock cylinder can not be removed from the housing for servicing unless you can rotate the key to the "run" position. If you can, then you would need to remove the shrouds on the steering column to get to the cylinder housing and push on the lock tab that would release the cylinder for removal.
Those are my best ideas for you to try. Please let me know if any of these work for you.
Roland