Key will not release steering column.locked in place, yikes HELP!!!

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./

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.REMOVAL 1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery. 2. If equipped with an automatic transmission, place shifter in PARK position. 3. Rotate key to ON position.4. A release tang is located on bottom of key cylinder.5. Position a small screwdriver or pin punch into tang access hole on bottom of steering column lower cover.INSTALLATION 1. If equipped with an automatic transmission, place shifter in PARK position. 2. Position key cylinder into steering column as it would normally be in the ON position. 3. Press key cylinder into column until it snaps into position. 4. Check mechanical operation of switch. Automatic Transmission: Be sure transmission lever is locked in PARK position after key removal. If key is difficult to rotate or is difficult to remove, the shift lever-to-steering column cable may be out of adjustment or defective. If key can be removed, release lever mechanism may be defective. Release lever mechanism is not serviced separately. If repair is necessary, the steering column must be replaced. 5. Connect negative cable to battery. 6. Check electrical operation of switch.

with the key in turn it to start then move the steering wheel up and down

Hi there:
Check this REMOVAL & INSTALLATION procedure...

CAUTIONThe Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the air bag or SIR wiring. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. In order to disarm the air bag system, allow the SIR system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes, before performing any removal procedures.
3. Remove the screws that secure the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
4. Remove the screws that secure the bottom of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
5. Disengage the retaining clip that holds the right side of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower steering column cover from the vehicle.
7. Remove the mounting screws that hold the upper and lower steering column shrouds and remove the lower steering column shroud.
8. Install the ignition key and turn the key cylinder to the RUN position. This is important because it will not only aid in removal of the ignition lock, but will also place the socket (in the lock cylinder housing) in proper alignment for the installation of the replacement ignition lock.
9. Press in the lock cylinder retaining tab and remove the key cylinder (ignition lock).

To install:

1. Install the ignition key into the replacement ignition lock key cylinder. Turn the key to the RUN position. Depress the ignition lock key cylinder retaining tab.
2. Align the shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder with the socket in the end of the ignition lock cylinder housing.

1. Align the ignition lock cylinder with the grooves in the lock cylinder housing. Push the ignition lock cylinder into the housing until the retaining tab sticks through the opening in the lock cylinder housing.
2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Install the lower steering column shroud and install the mounting screws.
4. Place the lower steering column cover into correct position on the lower instrument panel and engage the clip that secures the right side of the cover to the instrument panel.
5. Install the lower steering column mounting screws.
6. Install the mounting screws that hold the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

1. NON TILT WHEEL
2. Remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the turn signal switch.
4. Unfasten the two screws that release the buzzer switch (if equipped), then remove the switch.

Fig. Fig. 2: Removing the ignition buzzer

1. Remove the retaining screw and lift the ignition lock cylinder lamp out of the way.

Fig. Fig. 3: Ignition key lamp

1. Remove the bearing housing.
2. Detach the coil spring.
3. Remove the lock plate from the shaft.

Fig. Fig. 4: Lock lever plate removal

1. Unfasten the 2 retaining screws and lift the lock lever guide plate to expose the lock cylinder release hole.
2. Insert the key and place the lock cylinder in the LOCK position. Remove the key.
3. Insert a thin punch into the lock cylinder release hole and push inward to release the spring-loaded lock retainer. At the same time, pull the lock cylinder out of the column.

Fig. Fig. 5: Depress the lock plate which will expose the lock cylinder release hole

1. Remove the 3 retaining screws and lift out the ignition switch.

To install:

1. Position the ignition switch in the center detent position (OFF).
2. Place the shift lever in PARK.
3. Feed the wires down through the space between the housing and jacket. Position the switch in the housing and install the 3 retaining screws.

Fig. Fig. 6: Lock levers and spring assembly installed

1. Place the lock cylinder in the LOCK position, and press it into place in the column. It will snap into position.
2. The remainder of assembly is the reverse of disassembly.

You are going to need to replace the ignition switch

Hi there,

Removal

Disconnect the negative battery cable with the proper size wrench and place away from the battery.
Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the run position.
Remove the steering column cover on a tilt steering wheel model by pressing the upper and lower section of the cover together and pulling free from the mounting plate. Remove the steering column covers on a non tilt steering wheel model by using a Philips screwdriver and unscrewing the mounting screws.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch by lifting up on the release tab and pulling.
Press the ignition switch actuator pin by pushing a small screw driver into the key lock cylinder, while doing this pull the ignition switch out of the ignition switch housing.

Installation

Insert the new key into the new ignition switch and turn the key to the run position. Insert the new ignition switch into the ignition switch housing. Wiggle the switch back and forth until the actuator pin mounting hole is aligned and falls into place.
Install the electrical connector back into the connector housing by pressing it in with your hands.
Place the steering column covers back onto the non tilt steering wheel and insert mounting screws. Tighten screws using a Philips screwdriver. Place the steering column covers over the tilt steering wheel and press the upper and lower portion together to snap covers back into the mounting plate.
Pull on the ignition key to ensure switch is locked into place. Turn key to the "off" position and remove the key. Insert the key and start the vehicle.

Hope these help.

Ignition Lock Cylinder - Removal & Installation CAUTION The Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the air bag or SIR wiring. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. In order to disarm the air bag system, allow the SIR system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes, before performing any removal procedures.
3. Remove the screws that secure the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
4. Remove the screws that secure the bottom of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
5. Disengage the retaining clip that holds the right side of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower steering column cover from the vehicle.
7. Remove the mounting screws that hold the upper and lower steering column shrouds and remove the lower steering column shroud.
8. Install the ignition key and turn the key cylinder to the RUN position. This is important because it will not only aid in removal of the ignition lock, but will also place the socket (in the lock cylinder housing) in proper alignment for the installation of the replacement ignition lock.
9. Press in the lock cylinder retaining tab and remove the key cylinder (ignition lock).
   
   
   Fig. Depress the retaining tab to remove the key cylinder
   

To install:

1. Install the ignition key into the replacement ignition lock key cylinder. Turn the key to the RUN position. Depress the ignition lock key cylinder retaining tab.
2. Align the shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder with the socket in the end of the ignition lock cylinder housing.
3. Align the ignition lock cylinder with the grooves in the lock cylinder housing. Push the ignition lock cylinder into the housing until the retaining tab sticks through the opening in the lock cylinder housing.
4. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.
5. Install the lower steering column shroud and install the mounting screws.
6. Place the lower steering column cover into correct position on the lower instrument panel and engage the clip that secures the right side of the cover to the instrument panel.
7. Install the lower steering column mounting screws.
8. Install the mounting screws that hold the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Hope helps (remember rated and comment this).

Turn ignition key/lock cylinder to the ON position. Insert a thin screwdriver into the slot adjacent to the switch attaching screw boss (right-hand slot). Depress the spring latch located at the bottom of the slot to release the key/lock cylinder. Remove the cylinder.
to remove key-lock cylinder switch Ignition Switch

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the steering column shroud and lower the steering column.
3. Detach the ignition switch electrical hardness connector.
4. Remove 2 nuts retaining the ignition switch to the steering column housing.
5. Lift the ignition switch upward to disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove the switch.


To install:

> When installing the ignition switch, both the locking mechanism at the top of the column and the switch itself must be in the LOCK position for correct adjustment. To hold the mechanical parts of the column in the LOCK position, move the shift lever into PARK (with automatic transmissions) or REVERSE (with manual transmissions), turn the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key. New replacement switches, when received, are pinned in the LOCK position by a metal shipping pin inserted in a locking hole on the side of the switch.


6. Engage the actuator rod in the ignition switch.
7. Place the ignition switch on the steering column housing and loosely install 2 retaining nuts.
8. Move the switch up or down along the column to locate the mid-position of the actuator rod lash, then tighten the retaining nuts to 47-64 inch. Lbs. (5-7 Nm).
9. Raise the steering column into position at instrument panel. Install steering column shroud.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
11. Remove the locking pin, connect the battery cable, and verified that the engine will only crank in PARK and NEUTRAL. Also check to make certain the start circuit cannot be actuated in the DRIVE and REVERSE positions.
to get more help on this issue with more details. then please click on this link directly
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5880956_change-ignition-lock-cylinder.html
thanks.this will help.

If your Ford Focus is not starting, and you know the battery and alternator are good, the problem could lie in the ignition system. The ignition switch is a whole cylinder inserted into the steering column that connects to the starter motor. When you change an ignition switch, you are also replacing the key.

1. Remove the dashboard panel below the steering column in your car; it should be screwed in place. Remove the steering column's upper cover by releasing its clips with a flat-head screwdriver.
   
2. Look for the audio control switch---a small device sticking out of the steering column that acts like a remote control. If one exists, release the switch's plastic locking tang with the screwdriver, and unplug the electrical connector to remove the switch.
   
3. Loosen the steering column by releasing the locking lever, and remove the steering column's lower cover by pulling out the screws with the screwdriver.
   
4. Use your ignition key to turn the switch to the left---the position that would activate the accessories but not start the car. Insert the screwdriver into the hole in the top of the cylinder to depress the detent spring, and pull out the cylinder with the key inside.
   
5. Insert the new key into the new ignition switch, and line up the switch inside the steering column so it's in the same place the old switch was in when you removed it. Make sure the detent locks into place; then turn the switch so it's in the "Off" position.
   
6. Replace all the covers and panels you removed to access the cylinder, along with the audio control switch, if applicable, in reverse order of
   

Things You'll Need:

• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Ignition switch and key

Tips & Warnings

• Older Ford Focus models may have a different method of removing and changing the ignition switch. Check an automotive guide for your particular year and model.
• Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before working on the ignition or any other electrical component of your car.

I hope helped with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.