After parking my 2000 Chrysler 300M, tried to start later that day and the ignition was locked. Turning the wheel while jimmying the key has no effect. The dealer says the ignition switch needs replaced at ~$300. Anyone else have this problem and another solution?

 

Affirmative, just joined the forum to try to find out, my 2001 town-country van just did this and it was towed to dealer, I am waiting to hear, what have you found out? It would stick a little once in a while but jiggle freed it, but the last dozen starts were perfect and the wheel was not under pressure and tires straight in my driveway. I also tried both sets of original keys, no effect. I tried disconnecting battery to see if something was holding it, no effect.
One key says valet key, I was told it is so you can keep stuff in a trunk but a van has no trunk, anyone know what difference is then?
EDIT: dealer changed ignition switch and rekeyed it to fit existing key, said a casting breaks and lock parts fall out and jam the lock, and it cost $250 to fix, half labor, half parts.