Ignition Stuck on 98

[4Runner Dawg]

Lately, the ignition on my '98 ha been sticking and it seems like I am the only one who can get it to start. Basically, its as if the steering wheel is locked, but is definitely a problem inside of the ignition. I tried searching the forums before posting but couldn't find the cause or a solution. I'd like to fix this because I am afraid my wife may get stranded somewhere due to not being able to get the truck to start. Any suggestions?

 

[Gerdo]

I have had a similar issue on vehicles before.

You come to a stop on a hill and you crank the steering to the side ( into the curb) to prevent rolling. When the car is turned off the loaded scrub on the tires puts pressure on the steering wheel and it locks. When you go to start the vehicle there is a fair amount of pressure that you have to counter before the key will turn.

Sound familiar?

 

[BrianSD_42]

can youremove the key?

I had a problem where I could not remove the key. after much wiggling of the wheel and taking it from N to park it would finally release the key. I even had a new key cut from the dealer, no difference. I finally concluded that it was an electrical problem related to the lock that prevents key from being released when not in park. then it miraculously started working and no problems in a year which is why I concluded electrical.