I turned the ignition to start without the key inserted all of the way. It started but would not turn back to II. This is on a 1981 accord. I had to stall it in 3rd and then uplug the battery. Is there any easy way to unlock the cylinder or do I need to replace the whole assembly?

 

Sounds like time for a new key switch. You could try some lube in the cyl and work it with the key .

Many moons ago I had the switch on a 81 3 dr hatch go bad. I have to drive it for a few weeks by hot wiring the car.....sucked when my knee hit the wires and the car shut off or bumped the starter wire to the hot wire