Cannot turn the ignition. it just won't turn. the wheel's not locked up but the ignition is.

The ignition key won't turn likely because the shifter linkage that locks the key in OFF is worn or loose. Move the shifter linkage hard to the Park position and the key will turn. Have the linkage adjusted and the worn parts replaced

The list of possible causes includes the key, the lock cylinder, the steering wheel lock, and other things.
Have you tried another key ?

Usually a sign the tumblers in the lock cylinder have worn out or jammed.
You may have to get the lock cylinder drilled out and replaced.

Make sure your steering wheel isn't locked. Sometimes a key won't turn until you jiggle the wheel while trying to turn the key.

several things, does key go in and out easily, turn steering wheel in both directions while turning key. sometimes the steering wheel lock binds the lock cylinder and turning wheel releases the pressure and it will turn. other than that the ignition cylinder is jammed, wet key lightly with lubricant such as wd-40 and a light bit in key hole and try key again, If key is heavily worn out , try a different ignition key as it might not be disengaging all the tumblers in lock, if all this fails you need a new cylinder.

make sure the stick is in reverse and the key is all the way in the ignition

If your steering wheel is locked, turn it a bit away from the locked position. Key should turn now.

Otherwise, you may need to replace the ignition or you have a bad copy of a key.

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.

grab the steering wheel & try to turn it from side to while turning the ignition,,sounds like the steering wheel is lock to one sde & wont let the ignition turn

the key may be worn badly or the ignition needs to be replaced.