2000 Dodge Caravan Key will not turn the ignition

Could be a key that is a little too worn to properly work the tumbler, or a mechanical problem in the column. You will need to remove the plasctic cover on the column so that you can inspect it for any obvious failures or loose linkages.I have had to replace a few of these ignitons, but for other reasons than not turning.Have you tried a different key?

yes, i tried 2 keys. I took the cover off and noticed that the two little collapsable pins on the sides of the ignition are not going in far enough to allow me to turn the key all the way over. Can i manually depress these to allow the key to turn past that point, hook up battery again and crank it? I imagine this means i need a new switch? I dont know

Yes you can try pushing in the pins. Is the shifter moving all the way, allowing the key to turn? It is kind of hard to say, it might be a problem with the tumbler not the mechanical part of the switch. Will the key turn at all? if so try removing the tumbler assembly by pushing in the lock pin and see if you can work the mechanical part of theswitch without the tumbler in it.

Thank you=) You have been most helpful!!!