2004 subaru imprezza steering column is locked - ignition key can't turn

Does the vehicle start an run ?Can you turn the key to the off position ? And the key won't come out ? Did you try some key graphite ( lube ) ? New lock cylinder need maybe . Or is it a problem with
Steering Column Electric Park Lock
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor-mounted console gear shifter, an added safety feature is an steering column electric park lock system in the steering column. The steering column electric park lock system prevents the steering wheel from being locked when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a steering column electric park lock and a park position switch, that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The steering column electric park lock contains a spring-loaded pin that mechanically prevents the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the Lock position when the transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost or the transmission is not in the Park position, the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the Lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.

turn off the "park lights" override switch, which is located on top of the steering column cover (between steering wheel & instrument panel).

Try moving the Steering Wheel. Some vehicles have a steering column lock that prevents the key from being turned if in the locked position

Hello,

The ignition switch is immediately behind and attached to the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder is where you place the key to start your vehicle. If you are having problems with your vehicle not starting and or turning the key, more than likely you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. It is common for these to go bad in GM vehicles. To replace the ignition switch of Your car please get these instruments (Flat head screwdriver, Mechanic's gloves, Socket wrench with adapters, Lint-free cloth)and carefully follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal of your Pontiac Grand Am's battery. This will ensure that you avoid the potential of electrocution as well as accidental inflation of the air bag. After disconnecting the battery, wait 15 minutes before performing any work on the car.
2. Remove the three flat head screws from the steering column cover to access the ignition switch assembly. If the covers and interior parts of the steering column are dirty or dusty, try cleaning them with a damp, lint-free cloth.
3. Depress the silver button on the column underneath the ignition switch if your key is still stuck in the lock cylinder. You will need to turn the key to the "Off" position and remove it in order to remove the rest of the ignition switch assembly.
4. Remove the two connection bolts holding the ignition switch assembly into place. Disconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch as well as the tab that sits behind the ignition switch once you slide it out from the steering column console.
5. Clip the electrical connection tab to the new ignition switch for your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am and slide the ignition switch into place. You will need to have the new key in the ignition switch as you slide it into place and turned to the "Off" position. Once it matches the exact position of the previous ignition switch, rotate the key to the "On" position, and you should hear a click from a tab that extends from the bottom of the ignition switch and connects with the ignition switch housing on the steering column. Reconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch.
6. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn your car on to make sure that you have made all of the connections correctly between the steering column and the new ignition switch. Reinstall the steering column panel coverings.

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your steering wheel lock is connected to ignition in column, pull hard on steering wheel in direction wheels are turned at the same time turn key, this should free them both up.

To fix your problem, you have to turn the steering wheel either to the left or right as much as you can, then try to turn the key in the ignition. When the steering wheel locks, the key won't turn. By manually holding the steering wheel out of the lock position, the key will turn again and you're steering column will be back to normal. Also try holding the brake pedal down and turning the key and steering wheel at the same time

Try the park lamp switch on top of the steering column

there is a switch on the steering column on most Subarus that turns the parking lights on. This switch is easily bumped while cleaning the dash area. I would almost put money on this being the problem.

Shake the steering wheel left and right while attempting to turn the key. Pressure on the steering column can cause the key to bind up at the lock cylinder.

Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console gear shifter, it has a ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column as an added safety feature. The ignition lock cylinder control actuators purpose is to prevent the steering wheel from being locked when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a ignition lock cylinder control acutator, and a park position switch that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control acutator contains a pin that is spring loaded out to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when vehicle transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the Park position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.