2004 Pontiac Aztec having key/starting problems. Will start but not on some occasions without "playing" with wheel/tilt. Someone mentioned had to get "key coded" for the new key? Match VIN with key?

Not a chance.

It may be the linkage between the shifter and the transmission. It has plastic bushings and sometimes they crack and it just doesn't shift in an out of park right

Daytime running lights. Has no effect on starting

Likely blown fusible link, or you have interrupted circuit to the ignition switch or tripped security system. Best bet is blown fusible link.

Wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key.

PONTIAC AZTEC. (what engine)
are you asking how to hot wire what,
the starter?
the whole EFI system (illegal, i dont do that)
what is the problem, i cant guess that, no crankiing>?/
if not cranking you hot wire the starter solenoid (keys is pocket)
see here for that method.
see test 1 , here

http://www.fixkick.com/nocrank.html

this is one hotwire. there are others , that mostly blow up expensive parts..

Library, Ebay, or most auto parts stores.

as you try to turn the key to start move the steering simultaneusly ,it should work.on occasions they can be akward.
just a suggesion

Not an exact solution, but perhaps information that might lead to one.

1.Replaced the tumblers? I believe I would replace the entire ignition switch this time. It's my belief that the body of the ignition switch is worn inside, and will keep damaging the tumblers.

2.Do you have a tilt steering wheel? It's best to keep the steering column in straight line when starting the car, then tilt the wheel to where you want, after the car is started. When the steering column is in a tilted position, it puts undue strain on the ignition key switch, and the mechanism the ignition key switch operates, on GM vehicles.

This mechanism, consists of a half moon gear on the ignition key switch, that turns inside a 'Planetary' gear. I used the term 'Planetary', as the gear shape is hard to describe. It resembles an oblong loop, shaped like the number 9, with gear teeth on the inside bottom of the loop. This 'Loop' rotates, when the gear teeth of the ignition key switch, engage the teeth on the loop, and pushes a rod, or retracts the rod. The rod goes down the side of your steering column, and turns on, or turns off an ignition switch, located at the bottom left side of the steering column.

Having the steering wheel tilted, puts a strain on the ignition key switch internals, the oblong loop can break, and/or gear teeth can be stripped off.

it could be the blower moter module or some times called resister