Steering lock query

Are there any known issues with the ignition barrel of a gen 3 Jimny?

Today I couldn’t get the ignition key to turn. I tried in and out several times,  turning the key and wiggling it.  It wasn’t the resistance of the steering lock but something else.  It seems intermittent but that first few tries were worrying.  I tried the spare key and that was just the same on the first go but was better later, but then the main key was also working at that point.  I don’t want to get stranded so need to get whatever it is fixed.

thanks in advance 

I'm not aware of anything in particular, have you tried either some graphite or other dry lubricant?

The key isn’t stiff to turn in the lock when it does work so I doubt it’s a lubricant issue.  I suspect something mechanical, like tumbler or the steering lock jamming.

Have you tried turning the steering wheel at same time as turning the key ?
Gordon

I did try that as I’m aware that the steering can lock the column making it difficult to turn the key.  But, strangely the problem hasn’t happened again since so I’m just being careful for now and hoping it doesn’t occur again.

Thanks for the comments 
Paul