2000 Accent
Key goes in and out of the ignition but will not turn to start the car?
also the ingition lock barrel is loose.

 

Try jiggling the steering back and forth while trying to turn the key. Sometimes back pressure from the steering mechanism can it difficult to turn the ignition. Usually gets worse as the lock wears. Sounds like yours may be worn to the point that it should be replaced.

 

tried jiggling the steering back and forth but the key still will not turn.
The steering did not have that much give in it while trying to start the car.
still stuck

 

If the key cylinder is loose, then that's probably the problem. It might be the bolts that hold it in have worked loose. Worth taking the plastic cover off and looking at it, you might be able to just tighten it up.

 

the ingition lock barrel is loose so I am trying to figure out how to tighten it up.
The area where the key goes in is good and tight.

 

Take the plastic moldings off that cover it.

 

Already have taken the plastic molding from the top and bottom.
Around the steering column is a locking mechanism that also attaches
to the ignition.
The locking mechanism is loose and has what appears to be two screws from the top that do not have any type of head on them for tighten up. So I guess it’s a dealer item?
The steering wheel does move left or right but that still does not help to turn the key.