Chrysler Repair: Steering column locked up - 99 Town & Country, newark ohio, steering wheel

Question
HEllo,

    My wife parked our 99 Crysler Town&Country at a local store.  When she return to the vehicle she couldn't get the ignition key to turn or the steering wheel to release from a locked position.  I noticed that the tires were pointing straight ahead but the steering wheel was 180 degrees turned.  

    I tried turning the steering wheel left and right while attempting to get the key to turn, but this didn't work.  I also jiggled the shift lever.

    Do you have any suggestions other than what I have allready tried?

Thank You,

Doug Posey
Newark, Ohio

Answer
Hi Doug,

It may be that the lock cylinder is binding up in the housing. You might try squirting some penetrating lube in the seam between the cylinder and the housing. I can't identify a mechanical issue other than what you have already identified and attempted. I can't imagine the reason for the steering wheel/front wheel seeming misalignment.

If the lube doesn't help then perhaps the lock has failed and a locksmith is needed. You can't remove the cylinder unless you can get it to the "run" position.
Maybe try moving the tilt lever to change the tilt of the column and see if that changes anything?

I wish I could suggest something beyond this.

Roland