How does the ignition tumbler work

A few of the earlier ignition/steering locks were made as an assembly but the majority of the later ones did have detachable lock barrels, though unfortunately it is only possible to release the barrel when the key can be inserted and turned to the number one position or the on position.

There is usually a hole in the casting into which a rod (typically 5/32 inch diameter) is pushed in order to release the barrel. Sometimes the hole is covered by casting flash and must be drilled or broken through. This applies to many locks other than steering locks though the rod diameter varies somewhat.

Ignition key cylinder tumblers are worn out!
Time to replace the cylinder.
Help prevent this from happening again by lightening your key ring load. A heavy key ring puts constant pressure on the lock tumblers and wears them down to eventually deform and prevent the tumbler cylinder from turning.
Most people employ the philosophy, "if it jams, just force it", which bends the weakened lock tumblers and hastens destructive wear.

the ignition module (ignition switch on top of the steering column) normally doesn't get stuck.

things you can try:
steering wheel lock: (the pin gets a "burr" on it and locks everything up) wiggle steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn key.

transmission lock (parking on an incline will jam up the interlock)
push the shifter farther into park while trying to turn the key, or wiggle shifter

sounds like you have two separate problems locks and on a relay and it may be getting weak ready to go out . The radio sounds like a loose wire you need to remove the radio and see if any wires are loose there also might be bad contacts in key tumbler try to wiggle the key if you have more than three keys on your key ring that will cause stress on tumblers and can short out ignition .

There could be some play in the ign switch allowing the voltage to be lost in certain position. Turn key to run position, do start engine. Turn on blower fan, turn signal, radio . Wiggle the key to see if they go off with key movement. If so replace electrical switch behind the key and tumbler

Try puffing some powder graphite into the key slot and inserting and removing the key several times. The tumbler pins get dry and jam in the holes and will not move so the graphite is the recommended lubricant for locks. Be careful as it leaves black residue that has to be cleaned with a wet clean rag.

You may simply have a stuck ignition tumbler in your key switch.It is a common problem.Most of the time if you have to wiggle your key around to get it to turn back to the release position,you may as well get a new key switch lock and tumbler.Sometimes they come separate.You might can get a whole new ignition key switch and simply replace your old one.Also if you have tilt wheel,sometimes the tilt mechanism can become worn and will not allow the steering column to clear the ignition switch.You will have to take the screws out of the steering column cover panels,usually they are on the bottom of the steering colum in the plastic.You have to take those off to get at the ignition switch assy.When you get it torn apart,study it for a few minutes while playing with the key switch,turning it on and off and you might see the problem there.Good luck.

Remove the lower steering column cover and check to see if the rod from the ign. lock and tumbler to the ignition switch is binding up. If it's ok, you're problem may be the bearing under the steering wheel being broken.

Try turning the wheel and pushing brakes in all the way. If this still happens, then the tumbler in the ignition may be bad or your key will have to be replaced.

look at the steering column below the ign lock and tumbler there should be a small hole turn key to on pos and push a small rod up the holethis then should release the lock and tumbler,no hole then wheel and coumn has to be stripped to get to lock retainer