Steering Column Repair: ignition/steering column locked, wd 40, lock cylinder

Question
My key will not turn in the ignition cylinder on the tiltable steering column of my 2003 PT Cruiser.  The ignition cylinder is frozen or locked.  The wheels are straight and the car is in park.  Is there a solution short of replacement of the cylinder that I can do quickly until I can have it checked out by a mechanic?  Is this a common problem with 5+ year-old PTs?

Answer
Hi Cindi:
This is a very common problem with vehicles these days.  The lock is not reading the key so is will not allow it to turn.  
Here is something that works more often than not.   At this point you may need a new lock cylinder anyway so damaging the old one is not doing any more damage.  Spray some WD-40 into the lock where the key goes.  Then, with the ball end of a ball peen hammer, tap the chrome part of the lock cylinder (the face where the key goes in.)   What you are trying to do is loosen the tumbler inside so they drop down and read the key.  Sometimes they get stuck.  
Only hit it as hard as you would if your thumb was in the way.  We're not trying to dent it or break anything, just jar it.  Then try the key once again.
If that does not work, then you can call a locksmith and if they have a mobile service, they can come out and replace the lock cylinder and key for @ $100.  If you have AAA or a good Insurance roadside protection plan, they reimburse you for that cost.

Good Luck
Doug