i have a 2002 lancer ES. My key wouldnt turn, so i thought it was the ignition lock cylinder. i replaced that, and the car turned on(turned it on and off 3-4 times). An hour later the key doesnt turn again. Could it be the ignition switch cylinder? or something else. BTW i took out the ignition switch and tried moving the key housing inside and it moved freely with no problem.

 

i took out the ignition lock cylinder and examined everything over. On the ignition lock cylinder the thin metal rod(trembler?) has to sit on top of the plastic nub. i dont think i saw threads about replacing the ignition lock cylinder but i can post pictures of the replacement and what i did wrong the first time.

 

steering wheel lock?

 

it was exactly the wheel lock. usually turning the wheel slightly and holding it while having the key turned will unlock it, but i found out that you have to turn the wheel left/right while simultaneously turning the key.