My 1999 saturn sl2's key is hard to turn in the ignition. I have to shake the steering wheel and the key to get it to turn. After it turns past the lock position, it turns the rest of the way easily. I had a locksmith replace the ignition switch but that didn't cure the problem. Any sugestions?

Can you turn the key? Some makes and models, if the steering wheel is causing tension on the key cylinder causing it not to turn, Sometimes you can pull ******* the steering wheel, one way or the other, to release tension on key cylinder in order to turn the key. Once you turn the key, steering wheel releases, hopefully.
If you can turn the key, turn to acc, set parking brake, step on the brake, hopefully then you can shift into neutral. That should bypass shift interlock. This info may be in your owners manual?

You should have the steering column checked and the ignition cylinder replaced.

Hi
if you're lucky it's just pressure on the steering lock if you put your key in and shake your steering wheel side to side whilst Turning the key

Have you tried sort of yanking the shifter?

If the steering wheel was in a hard turn when the ignition was turned off and the key was pulled, maybe it's just in a bind. Put the key in the ignition and pull the steering wheel hard to the left, then to the right while trying to turn the ignition.

remove steering wheel and when you get to the ignition switch there is a small pin slide out and pull ignition switch that's how I did it in my Chevy
the auto parts store have a special wrench you need to remove the clip in the column find a store with loaners so you don't have to buy one

Unfortunately this model of saturn is known for this problem. Try tapping the head of the key lightly with a small hammer and then while shaking the wheel back and forth try to turn the key. The only known permanent fix is key cylinder repalacement.

It was very likely that the problem turning the key was due to the steering column lock mechanism. Sometimes when you lock the steering wheel, if you the mechanism will bind up, making it difficult to unlock the ignition with the key. Often when this happens, you will be parked on a hill with your wheels agains a curb or some such item. Once you turn the wheel hard to the right (or left), the pressure is released on the locking mechanism, and the key will turn easily. This is a similar situation to what can happen in an automatic if you park on a hill without the parking brake.
try doing this:
pop the off the circle piece around the ignition and the holster cover under the steering wheel.
that ought to work.

Try spraying WD40 into key hole,then try again.

the brushes and magnets in the ingnition cyl. are worn and have to replace entire switch.