I'm a little late, but I've had my key get stuck too. Just like you have described.
You're not alone.
Funny thing is it's only happend once. Don't know how, don't know why.

After a lot of lube and a couple hours of foreplay she finally came!

Err... uh... I got the key out!

Anyway, thanks for the imput everyone.

Mate I had the exact same problem when I had a new key cut and tried it for the first time. I used a lubricant called Inox and it fixed it no problem at all. Give it a try.
Matty

$43.50 US if that helps.

can anyone convert that?

It was 5000 yen.

what did the rear lower panel cost? just curious as best price ive found so far is AUS$185.......Quote:

I'll cut the head of the key off and try and get the lock apart that way. If not I guess I'll be looking for a new lock set. It's doubtful I can get one through Nissan, although I did just purchase a new tailgate and the piece that goes under it.

I have removed more than one. You can drill a hole in the bolts, then use an extractor to spin them back out, or jam a screw in the hole and unscrew it.

I once used a punch to spin the bolts back out slowly ... haha it took a while.

I second Dattodude's recommended: lube the key and lock. Use a lock grease (graphite-based oil). It might not work if the key twisted inside and is jammed.

The factory manual on the pages specified says that the steering lock can be removed from the column, so it does come apart ..just not easily.

Chris