My son is having a problem with my old car (a 1999 Miata). The key only goes in about half way, so he's unable to start the car or unlock the steering wheel.

The car has a manual transmission.  He has removed the cowl from around the steering wheel to get to the key/lock assembly.  He can start the car by hot wiring two of the leads, but the wheel is still locked.  

He claims that he did nothing strange to the car - just one day the key refused to go all the way in.  I think that he tried jiggling the steering wheel, but an not sure, also I think that that would only make a difference if the key was fully inserted.

Any similar experiences would be appreciated.