Older Sentra key problem help please

[CigarGuy]

My sons buddy is at our house and can't get the key to turn. It's a 2001 Sentra. We tried jiggling the steering wheel, moving the tilt, rocking the car and just jiggling the key around. He said it happened one time before and was able to jiggle the key and get it to work. Any other ideas? He doesn't have another key near by. Thanks

[Macgyver55]

I have had good luck by first spraying a small dash of wd40 in the key slot, then lightly tap (in) on the end of the key with a screw driver handle. After tapping, try turning it, then repeat if necessary.

[CigarGuy]

Thanks MacG, no luck. Does the anti-theft have anything to do with it? Should we disconnect the battery to reset it?

[Macgyver55]

No the anti theft has nothing to do with it.

Are you sure you turned the wheel far enough to take pressure of the wheel lock?

[Jeremy airjer W]

The lock cylinder is probably worn out. Try taping on the area where the key goes in with the key removed. One of the tumblers is probably stuck out. tapping with the key removed will usually get them to pop back into place. At least thats the trick with Fords.

[CigarGuy]

Thanks guys-will try. I cranked the wheel in both directions as hard as I could. How hard do I tap?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I usually wack them with a super leatherman

[CigarGuy]

Thanks, he got mad and had my son give him a ride home right after my last post. Have to try tomorrow. Hopefully, he won't get a ticket for parking on the street overnight. I put a note on the car.