1998 Wranger Ignition Key Stuck / Steering Column Locked

steering locked engine running not? , not told that key fact.
the key must turn, jiggling steering can help the key too turn.
we do not know what turn over means, the word turns has zero meaning .(accurate)
the starter turns, the crank shaft spins and turns and the engine turns and starts and runs and stays running this good serial event
or the KEY is stuck and key will not turn OVER from OFF TO , RUN and to START,


some call turns over as runs. 3 ways to get the mean wrong

so learn to say I can crank it ok but the engine fails to start and run.
I guess (wild) the starter is DEAD< silent, clicks or chatters.>?
that it> no GRRRRRRGRRRRR sound from a happy starter motor?

starter dead or not, is question 1./

Is the transmission for REAL locked in "Park"? You may need to pull apart the steering column to verify the interlock linkage between the shifter lever and the key cylinder.

If the steering wheel is under great tension, this can cause the key to be unable to unlock the steering column or turn in the cylinder. Try pulling the wheel first to the right while turning the key, and if that fails, then the left. Often this will release the tension and allow the key to turn and the column to unlock.

The first problem is the key needs to be in the run position to get the lock cylinder retainer button to push in so the lock cylinder can be removed from the housing.

If the steering wheel is locked than the lock cylinder will need to be turned in order to unlock it.

If the steering wheel is not locked than you can drop the column and manually operate the ignition switch.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

If the steering wheel lock is engaged with the wheel turned sharply in either direction - weight of the vehicle at rest on the wheels can cause the steering column and ignition key lock to bind. To get the ignition to turn and unlock, you may have to grasp and turn the wheel or wiggle it a little back and forth to get it to come off the steering lock. This will relieve the pressure and allow you to turn the ignition lock if done right.

turn the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key @ the same time

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/michael_00678fd4800d19c5

Take off two-halfs of steering wheel (torx screws) put key on acc and there is a small hole in the column where the tumbler is stick a small paper clip or watch screw driver inside and the tumbler should come out this seems to be a problem after the 850 series beacause of the chip inside of the key

easiest way to handle this problem is as you turn the key turn the steering wheel back and forth not real hard bust firm and try and turn the key foward and back at the same time. usually what happens is the little detente inside the column gets stuck just right and stops the tumbler from moving

Being a locksmith for ten years, I have been aquainted with a number of occasions where the steering wheel gets locked up.
Always start with the least expensive option.
Question:

I'm sure this sounds silly but, have you tried turning the wheel hard right and hard left? You wouldn't believe how many times people have their tires turned to the right or left, which binds the ignition switch to the point that you can't turn the key to start the vehicle.

If the steering is in a rotational bind it can also bind the "U" joint in the steering column.

Check to make sure that you can actually operate the key cylinder and start the vehicle.

If you can operate the key cylinder of the ignition and start the vehicle, try rotating the steering wheel with the engine running, and see if that will unlock your "U"joint adjuster.

If you do all of the above and it's still unable to be adjusted, you will have to have a locksmith replace the universal joint rod in the steering column.

The main reason for these joints to fail is due to people driving with the column in an attitude of either up from the straight position, or down from the straight position.

The column is "designed" to operate from any position, BUT it causes the joint to fail due to prolonged use in an either up or down position while driving. The adjustable wheel is great for getting into and out of the vehicle, but it should always be driven in a totally straight position with NO upward or downward slant to the steering column.

I hope this will solve your problem economically.

Eshel

Sometimes the ignition lock cylinder and the parts that it operates may become jammed. The only remedy I can recommend short of disassembling the steering column is to try working the key in and out, back and forth, while working the steering wheel from side to side at the same time in order to dislodge any binding parts from operating.