Cannot turn key in ignition

[decathect]

I know this problem has been covered before, but my situation is kindof weird, and I really need this figured out soon, because its getting darn near impossible to start my car.

When I put in the key, it doesnt want to turn to 'on'. It helps when i take the car outta gear, release the ebrake, and roll the car back and forth a bit. However, it is getting worse and worse and now it has been taking me at 5-10 minutes of wiggling and rolling my car, and it will reluctantly turn with some force. I've had to leave the key in the car, for fear of taking it out, and not being able to get it to turn again. Forcing it a lot doesn't help, not to mention i'm avoiding it because I don't want to break anything.

It is not an old key. I have both an old worn stock key and a new copy made. Both have worked fine in the past, nothing has changed with those that would lead me to believe it is the key.

My Question: Is this the lock cylinder, or the ignition switch?

Both are hard to find/expensive parts, so I want to make sure I have the right one.

 

[tenn-gsx]

Take the lock cylinder to a lock smith and ask them to replace the key pins. Also have you tried some wd40 or graphite lube in the cyl?

 

[decathect]

I'll take out the cylinder tomorrow and look at it. I suspect its the ignition switch though.

 

[tenn-gsx]

I dont really see the switch stopping you from turning the key. Either the tumbler is worn out or crudded up or the lock pin is sticking would be more likely to me.

 

[decathect]

Maybe i'll just get a new one then.