Ignition Problem - key won't turn - 1990 Celica

[gorezerker]

I've been looking around the forums and couldn't find a post that was a perfect answer for me, so... new thread.

When I put my key in the ignition, I cannot turn the key. I tried putting a small amount of WD40 in the ignition and turning the wheel back and forth while trying to start, but all that did was make my key greasy and my wheel lock up. I've tried getting a new key made from Lowes and Home Depot, but their keys are too wide and will not fit in the keyholes. The only thing I am down to is replacing the ignition switch completely but I'd rather do that as a last resort because my car has had a big problem every week since Thanksgiving (alternator gone, new wheels, new master cylinder, new rotors/brakes) and I am all but out of money.

Any other ideas I haven't explored yet? And also, if it comes down to replacing the ignition switch, how would I do that without being able to turn the key?

Thanks.

[gorezerker]

**UPDATE**

Well the new key did not work so I bought a replacement ignition lock cylinder which are incredibly easy to replace... if you can turn the key, but I cannot. Is there any way to replace the cylinder WITHOUT turning the key short of taking it to a dealer/locksmith/wizard/etc. because I am truly out of money and cannot afford any more.

Thanks in advance!

[hatchy_gt-s]

did u turn the steering wheel when trying 2 turn the key?