Ford Repair: Key wont turn in ignition, park position, steering wheel

Question
I have a 98 Ford Explorer. I parked my Explorer at a friends house so he could look at my engine. I had been having problems with my driver side door locking and not coming unlocked previously so I separated the remote from my key so my doors would not accidently be locked. One week later when my friend tried to start my SUV so he could fix my engine problems my key would not turn in the ignition. I have never had this problem before. Could this problem stem from separating the key from the remote? If not, what are other possible causes for the key to not turn in the ignition?

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
Do you mean the key coder that's installed in the key itself? If you do---reinstall it -you hae to have that there so the car will recognize the key and not shut down.
Also, have your friend make sure that the transmission shifter is in the Park position fully, and that the steering wheel isn't "cocked" to a turning position.
Hope this helps,
Erik