Ignition gets stuck in 3rd position

Good day

My car is a Ford fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Ambiente which is the base model.

My car recently started having an issue where the ignition gets stuck on the 3rd position. Turning the key back and forth a few times allows it to go past the 3rd and start the car.

Troubleshooting I've done

Spare key which has never been used does the same

Holding in the lock and unlock button to change how doors open made no difference

Leaving the key on the second position for a minute seems to work and allows the car to start

There's a clicking noise when key is removed

But no clicking noise when on 2nd position

The steering lock works but is not locked when the ignition gets stuck

Changes I've made
Enabled windows to open automatically with key
Enabled the temp and distance to empty
Fitted an after market alarm long before the issue started

Sounds like a disintegrating ignition cylinder.

Tend to agree with @scotman - you have a tumbler - tumbling - read this as Failing. When you press / push / twist past the column lock (steering wheel lock) there may be an alignment issue of the physical key cylinder to the starter switch cam that engages the switch poles to operate ACC, Ignition and Start.

Having to wait a moment for the torqueing that turns the key thru the cam - seems to indicate the cylinder lock and switch cam are worn - you have to wait for the "key to cam" to line up so you can continue.

It should be a simple replacement of the cam switch and your keys are are fine - it's the other options and problems when the key and cylinder lock are loose or sheared - then you have to replace the keyset - not just the cam switch - but both.

Is there any programming required to change the cam switch or is it a straight swop and does anyone have a manual on this

In later Vehicles, due to changes in regulations - Read Drivers using Heavy Keys with keyfobs - shutting off engines and locking the steering column causing crashes, in many lawsuits with other manufacturers - the Lock was removed and we now have ways to kill kids by simply turning the wheel amd if we're really creative we can somehow move the transmission lever from park - making the car roll into the street or onto someone or something...

This is more of a physical alignment issue more than a electrical or programming - the steering column and wheel lock mechanism thru everyday use and driving over bumps and stuff - can wear.

So I don't currently own a Fiesta car with a steering wheel column lock - at least in the US, don't exactly know the year they stopped this but to hear of your situation - maybe all it takes is to simply remove the steering column lock and the problem will disappear because the lock mechanism is the physical aspect that can generate a wear pattern and the headaches of loose fit and alignment, along with the potential of a very dangerous condition of column locking while driving - causing your condition of being unable to restart your vehicle - as well as a potentially fatal crash..

That is of course, if your local regulations and testing allow, you can remove the column lock and possibly restore normal keyswitch to Ignition to Start and your problem goes away.

I don't have a column lock on my car to show you how, or even what to look for - to help you find ways to fix this problem.

Just a suggestion...