Key Won't Turn in Ignition

Hi Folks



My Father in law's Rover 45 had an issue this morning. They had driven a short distance and parked the car, came back to re-start and the key would not turn in the steering lock/ignition.



I am not sure if this is a mechanical issue or whether it is something more subtle.



I tried turning the key for a while and re-inserted the key etc for a good 10 minutes and no joy. I then decided to put the jump leads on the battery connecting up to my old 25 (with the engine in the 25 running of course) and as I did so I could see that the 45 was drawing current as there was a fairly healthy spark when the jump leads were connected.



I then went back to trying the key in the ignition and eventually after a few more minutes I managed to get the key to turn and could start the car.



I have looked at the key and the barrel and all is OK and the key faultlessly turns without any sign of jamming or indeed a repetition of the original fault.



So my question is, is this an immobilizer type issue or is it just the barrel wearing or perhaps got some dirt in it?



Many thanks.



MG57.

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