Locked steering wheel- key won't turn

Hey guys, wondering if you could help me with a bit of a problem:

Last night I let my roommate move my truck (03 Prerunner) so he could get his car in the lane. I find out this morning that he left the wheels turned nice and sharply left, meaning that my key didn't want to get in the ignition this morning. I tried turning the wheel back around to get the key in, and was successful. However, in the process the wheel locked (at right about dead center). So long story short: steering wheel is locked, key goes in but won't turn.

I tried jerking the locked wheel around a bit while trying to turn the key with no luck- I might try that again later when I get home. Failing that- any reccommendations? Is there a way to release the lock if I pop the steering wheel off? Would physically shaking the truck release the locking mechanism?

Thanks in advance guys- you've helped me out before, and I appreciate it.

 

You ought to be able to do just by taking pressure off the wheel by moving it.

Failing that, try jacking up the front end to take the pressure off the steering column.

 

Just move the wheel slightly and the key should turn. You just have to wiggle the steering wheel a little while trying to turn the key.

If that fails...then do what Bjmoose said and and jack the front end up off the ground, then repeat step 1.

 

If you have an automatic there should be a little piece above the park that will pop out use a knife or flat head screw driver and push the piece inside that moves it will free up the shifted put it in neutral and it should turn? It happened to me once and my neighbor we were sucessful. Try it no guarantees but worth it to try

 

^this fasho

 

Alright thanks for the tips guys. Guess I'll just have to muscle it out a bit more when I get home.

 

Yep, turn it hard in the direction the wheels are pointed and the key will turn.

 

This was a life saver thanks!!!