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I am sooo sorry, I forgot to report back.  my girl friend's minvan is fine, I took the plastic covers off to get better access, then used a shop vac to suck out all dry debris, then using brake cleaner (didn't have electrical contact cleaner)and only sprayed a small amount directly into the key hole and on the external mechanical linkage avoiding any getting on the electrical.  let it dry (it dries very fast and residue free) then vaccumed again and repeated 3 or 4 times.  the ignition switch was just dirty from dirty key, dropped in the rain, on the floor, etc. and put into the ignition.  saved big bucks!    

I just bought a 98 cirrus. Had it a couple days, no problem. Then all of a sudden, the key wouldn't turn. Thankfully, it was in my driveway when this occured. The used car dealer I purchased the car from in Pgh is right across from where i work. I called him and he actually came to my house to try to fix it. No luck. the next day he came back and was going to tow it but the steering locked so he couldn't put on his flatbed. He called a locksmith who told him it would cost $250 to fix it. yeah right....So he started calling around and an elderly former locksmith actually told him how to fix it.
I had seen this thread the night before but was afraid to try anything.
So he came back last night and before I could get outside, the car was running. He had WD-40, a hammer, and a screwdriver. Guess I better keep that stuff in my trunk. But that repair method does work.  

Thank you everyone
It is less than 24 hours before I have to head of to Quebec from Ontario my son is playing in the Canadian Championship (baseball)(13 hour trip)  He has to be there by Tuesday and my ignition will not turn.  I got the trusty hammer out and I fixed the little guy.  I will be taking it on my trip.  I also added a little brake cleaner.
So lady's and gents here it goes.  Spray key will brake cleaner (only if you have it).  Put key into ignition and hammer lightly against the key, you will here it slide into the shaft, and try and turn the key.
I almost had a heart attack.  I am taking with me 3 other baseball bags and 2 teammates.  
Stay in touch with other helpful hints, you just never know when you will need them.
thanks again  

you guys are the bomb!!!!!  my son is stuck in Ontario with 5 of his buddies camping.  i checked out this forum.  IT WORKED!!!!  tap, tap, tap and voila!  now my sons friends think i'm really smart!  

I had the same problem with my 01 GC and when taking the plastic off the colom my father thought we should unplug all the wires I put a new switch in and it will now turn and start but will not stay runnning I realized the electrical part wasnt plugged in so I plugged it back in and now the van will not start at all is there a security code I have to use or do I need to reset the ECU Im confused please help.  

I think there is a chip in the key that is read by the ignition, not sure about the setup, read back a few threads about using brake cleaner and wd-40, try that with the old ignition switch anf return the new if you can, otherwise you may be spending more to program for your keys.....?  

I had the same inition lockup today (10/14/2007) with a 1999 Chrysler T&C LXi.  None of the standard stuff worked (eg, twist the steering wheel while turning the key), so I drove to Chrysler in another car and asked their advice.  Chrysler suggested either twisting the steering wheel or having the car towed to their service bay.  I tried the former again.  Then I tried to follow the advice on this site.  I hit the inserted key with a rubber mallet at various angles.  Nothing.  I oiled the key with WD40, slid it in the slot several times, and hit it again with the rubber mallet.  Nothing.  This went on for about 10 minutes.  Nothing.  So in frustration I banged my mallet against the steering wheel.  Presto!  The car started.  Perhaps it doesn't matter what you whack with your mallet, as long as the impact falls reasonably close to the ignition switch or the steering column.    

WOW,  what a life saver.  My car was stuck in a parking lot and the ignition key would not turn.  I tried everything except using the rubber mallet.  Well guess what......   IT WORKED.....
I was just about to call a tow truck when I read this forum and decided to drive back to the car and give it a shot (literally).

Thanks so much for all the advice.

BTW:  I inserted the key and struck it with the mallet while it was in the ignition.  

Today, I've joined the legion of Dodge Caravan owners (2000) whose key was stuck and won't turn.  A freezing cold day, and after a search on the internet, I found the mallet trick.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Three strikes with the rubber mallet against the key right into the steering column (careful not to bend the key) and then the key turns.  After that, each time, I've needed the mallet, but at least we're not paying for a tow and at the mercy of the dealership!  As for a Dodge Caravan, NEVER AGAIN!  

I'm so glad I found this forum.  While out shopping today in the 38 - degree weather, our 2001 Town and Country key wouldn't turn .  After reading all of your experiences, I went back to the store, put the key in the ignition, whacked it with a small rubber mallet a couple of times (like trying to hit the key in further) and presto! It worked like a charm. My anticipated high $$$ bill just went to zero.  Thanks again.  

Thank you all so much.  You saved us a ton of hassle, a postponed Christmas trip and lots of money.  It happened to us in a 2002 Dodge Caravan.  Five guys tried for an hour to get it going.  One was kind enough to let my husband use his phone to call me, I was sitting at the computer and found this post and voila.  Everyone was stunned when it worked.  He used a large screwdriver handle.  You are all so kind to share this information.  
Thank you and Happy New Year.  

I own a 1999 Dodge Caravan and had trouble with the ignition sticking once in a while for a couple of months but after a few turns of the key it would release.  Then after going to the movies one night we tried to leave and the key would not turn, tried turning the wheel and jiggling the key for 20 min.  Got a ride home and checked the internet to find this forum with the rubber mallet (shoe heel if no mallet was available).  I returned to the van and placed the key in the ignition, tried several whacks on the end of the key and was able to turn the ignition.  Thank you to this website and the people who take the time to post fixes to the dreaded automobile problems.  

Found this thread by googling problem with ignition keys not turning in a Chrysler Town and Country.  The fix seemed too simple to be possible, but i went out and whacked the end of the key like I was trying to drive it into the column.  I really like any repair that starts out with "get a hammer."  That's MY kind of auto repair!  Two light taps and away we went!  Thanks everyone!!!

One more thing, though.  How long is this likely to work?  Should I plan on getting the ignition cylinder replaced muy pronto just to be safe, or should I continue to keep a hammer handy and let it go for awhile?  

Tom8rs:
Found this thread by googling problem with ignition keys not turning in a Chrysler Town and Country.  The fix seemed too simple to be possible, but i went out and whacked the end of the key like I was trying to drive it into the column.  I really like any repair that starts out with "get a hammer."  That's MY kind of auto repair!  Two light taps and away we went!  Thanks everyone!!!

One more thing, though.  How long is this likely to work?  Should I plan on getting the ignition cylinder replaced muy pronto just to be safe, or should I continue to keep a hammer handy and let it go for awhile?

1999 Grand Caravan with 105000 miles.>
Ive have been tapping on the key, although have some reservations on giving the SOB a hard shot. At some point when should I give up . Having no luck for replacement cylinder at Auto Zone.  Is the part only sold at Dodge / Chysler?  Such a common problem. Last dodge truck for me.  
last replaced at Dealer for $220.00

I have the same type of question as the previous driver.  

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan...Exact problem....Was going crazy about to take the whole steering column apart!! Thank God for this stuff! I just took a chance and Googled the problem I had thinking there was no way there was going to be a solution on line....
A couple of light taps and I was on my way! Thank you guys!!