steering wheel locked

Ok I mounted my battery and ran new cables and said okay let me fire it up... but the steering wheel is locked and the key will not turn at all. The question is , my key is pretty old and worn - could this be the problem? Also i wanted to make a push button ignition anyway so could i just by pass the ignition? I can't even take out the ignition because i can't get the steering wheel unlocked. I need help.. thanks

btw its a 2000 ford ranger

sometimes itll get stuck in the "lock" position and u have jiggle the wheel back and forht while you fiddle with the key. the steering isnt binding is it?

That's exactly what I was going to say. On my Dakota it will lock sometimes when I lay it out. Just have to jiggle the wheel and key at the same time and it unlocks.

Mine did the same thing on my toyota. I had to get a whole new ignition. PITA to change out when that happens.

Okay..... wrong key heh heh My wife had the key in her purse.

lmfao