Hey Ben, long time no see!. Sorry just saw your post.
1) First never force the key to move. It should always turn easily. Just lite movements will usually get worn out tumblers of cylinder or worn out key to work. A little WD40 sprayed in IG or other lite lube is a good idea also.
2) Steering wheel locks, when key removed. It's necessary to take tension of the lock by moving steering wheel left or right. Sometimes there is no tension. It all depends on how it came to rest. Not taking tension off by turning steering wheel can break the shaft connecting cylinder to lock in back of switch or can break the keys plastic case (so common). Those using YotaMD's key case will for sure break the shaft if they don't take off steering wheel tension.
3) Also if you look at IG switch. You'll see the word "PUSH". Key needs to be pushed in when locking. It so second nature to me I don't recall if needs pushing in to unlock also. So try that too.
If cylinder worn out:
Sometime the cylinder just wears out. The Lexus LX470 cylinder with key is $700. The Toyota Land Cruiser is like $90. WOW right. Most common reason cylinder wears out is extra weight on key ring. Like knife, bottle opens, extra household keys, etc. If you go this rout to replace cylinder. You'll want to take new cylinder along with your old key to a locksmith. Have tumblers set to your key by locksmith. That way, one key set works for IG and all doors. Last thing you want is to have two keys set, one for door and one for IG.
If you need help replace cylinder just let me know. It easy as long as you have your key.
