I have had a similar problem with my 3 1/2 year old MANUAL TRANSMISSION PT Cruiser. Occasionally, the ignition key will not turn to the on position. Usually, just banging the button next to the key fixes it. However, last Friday, nothing worked. I even removed the plastic from around the steering column and took a good look at, and played with, the mechanism.
NO, the steering wheel was not locked. You could turn it. In fact we turned it some to get it up on to the tow truck.
YES, the clutch and brake were depressed, though they don't need to be to turn the key (just to start the car).
I had it towed to a dealer. When the dealer took it off the tow truck they were turning the steering wheel to move it when the steering wheel hit the locked position. After that they were able to get the key to work.
I would be interested in feedback from any others who have experienced this problem. But for now my process is:
1) Bang on the button. If that doesn't work:
2) Turn the steering wheel (hard to do when the car isn't running) until the wheel hits a locked position and try again. If that doesn't work:
3) Get the cell phone out and call for help.
By the way, the button by the ignition key is only on the manual transmission models. It's designed to prevent you from removing the key while it's in the on position. The automatics do this via an interlock with the shifter.
Thanks.
Greg Tyler
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