Putting the car into neutral didn't work either. It appears to be the ignition cylinder. The key will only turn half way to the #1 position. I purchased a new ignition cylinder lock & keys, but according to Haynes manual, I need to get the key in the #1 position in order to remove the old ignition cylinder lock. That's the only position that will allow the spring loaded pin to be compressed for removal from the housing it fits into.

Is there a way to "force" the key into the #1 position?