Steering wheel locked up....cant get it to unlock

[Magraw03]

I have a 2003 Explorer that isnt in the beat overall shape. It was pretty rough when i purchased it. Long story short the wheel locked up on me and im not sure weather the steering wheel is just messed ip or if the issue us the anti theft locking it. Will a 03 still start with the anti theft activated? Or no? Reason for the confusion is that the ignition in the vehivle is shot. It needs to be replaced to say the least. The core of the ignition just falls out when you go to pull the key and to start it you have to insert the ignition core in and out until its inserted correctly and then itll start. So what I'm wondering is if the ignition being messed up like it is cause for the steering wheel to lock up and not be freed up? Anyways thanks in advance for your time...

 

[Mbrooks420]

The ignition switch is your issue. The truck won’t start with the anti theft triggered.

 

[boominXplorer]

Sounds like it's time for another steering column. You'll need 2 keys to program the Pats anti theft so keep that in mind. Your current column is probably beyond repair.