I can't turn the key in the ignition in my 98 honda civic. i know the car starts b/c i have remote start and used it. i checked that the wheel isn't locked and the car is in park.

For every car ever made that ever had an ignition lock?!?!

Google

year make model ignition wiring diagram

and you will find it.

2006-2008 Honda Civic Vehicle Wiring Chart and Diagram

http://www.commandocaralarms.com > wiring > civic
Commando Car Alarms offers free wiring diagrams for your 2006-2008 Honda Civic. ... View our complete listing of wiring diagrams for your Honda Civic.

Honda Civic DX 2008 - SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS

https://portal-diagnostov.com > 2020/04/07 > starting-c...
Apr 7, 2020 - STARTING/CHARGING - Honda Civic DX 2008 - SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS Remote Starting Wiring Diagram, Canada (1 of 3). Get Access all wiring ...

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Your Civic has immobilizer, which means it will not allow duplicate keys. There are high chance that your old keys are worn out and this could be the reason. Any ways i would suggest you how to remove the keys but involves bit technical work . The LHS dash board part can be unscrewed and removed fully using the car manual, once removed the key holder joints to 4 brace compartment and there is a button beneath it, you need to press the small red button to release the key. This is not a standard method of removal, if your car has security alarm make sure you turn it off.. please remember - this suggestion should be followed only if this is your car. I;m not responsible for the solution being incorrectly followed without following manual.

Have you tried turning steering wheel left and right while trying to turn key. Tight locked steering wheel will keep pressure on lock mecinism.

tumbler's no good. Fixed the same problem on 1999 alero last week.

I don't Believe that remote start can only be re-programed by the dealer as it is anti theft prevention device get a 2nd opinion or call the dealership ..unless something has become truly wrong with your ignition system but a remote device works without a key ...you could try to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery itself to see if it will reset itself foe a few minutes then reattach and secure it but ,,,remote works without the key yntil you wish to drive it at which point you need to insert the key to forwards position to drive it

sounds like you damaged the key switch assembly, best bet replace unit

If you hook up the jumper cables can you disable the alarm with the remote?

Its the electrical part of the ignition switch.. thats pretty common for a 91 Honda

wont rotate?..go to battery and starter circuitry

How old is your key? An old key can give you real grief. Also, do you have to press brake to release ignition lock? Its doubtful that a dead battery would cause your car iginition not to turn, but try jumping car with engine off and see if that helps. Unless you heard a loud pop or saw a spark I don't think you messed anything up. Try disconnecting the cigarette lighter when starting and see if that helps too. Check voltage on the battery, should be between 13-15 V or so when car is off. Lower than that and u need to replace battery, even though that won't necessarily solve issue you're having now.
hope this helps