Key won't come out.

[pmckechnie]

This is about my 84 500SEL.
I was out of town yesterday and made a stop for lunch. Switched the car off but the key wouldn't come out. Switched it back on but didn't try to start it, just switched it back to off and key still would not come out. It was in OFF, not LOCK. I just left it alone and had lunch. Came back and tried to start it but key would not turn to START position. Left it in the RUN position and jumpered the starter at the right front inner finder and engine started. Drove home (150 miles) with no problems.
Got home and shut it off and removed the key. Put it back in and started engine. Every thing was fine.
Suspected the lock cylinder. Removed it and it felt like a new one. Removed the steering lock assembly, took it apart but couldn't find any thing broken, bent, or binding. Took apart the Ignition switch and couldn't find anything broken, bent, or binding.
Anyone seen these symptoms before? If so, what was the fix?
I am going to replace the lock cylinder anyway just because I know they cause a lot of problems. Thanks in advance for any words of encouragment.

Paul

[Gilly]

Hard to tell in these cases if it's the cylinder or steering lock, but it's much eaier to do both when it isn't jammed, hint hint.

[w123love]

Whenever my key has been stuck, it has been because the steering wheel wasn't dead center, and not in the "locked" position. When the wheel is just a few degrees to the right or left, and not yet locked, the key will not come out until the wheel is turned and locked while in park. Only then will it come out.