Switch is stuck in the normal drive position, cannot turn ignition off, or start car. Key is retained switch. Had to stall engine to stop it, disconnected battery to cut ignition power. Is there any common cause and how do I remove the switch from the steeering column to investigate? Thanks.

Mark Taylor, October 2008

Hugster, had identicle problem after replacing the ignition barrell in my Son's Saxo. There are three electrical connectors on the new switch, a black, brown and a grey plug. After closly looking at the old switch i discovered the new one is wired differently. You need to plug the black one into the gray socket on the car, and the gray plug into the black socket. they will fit with a bit of gentle persuasion :-) . Do NOT fit the black plastic cover yet , this is the immoboliser arial . This detects the transducer fitted in your ORIGINAL key. Place the old key next to, or inside, the black cover - well away from the new key before you turn the ignition on. The car should start as normal. At sometime You will need an auto electrician to reprogram the immoboliser with the new key, or as in my case I taped the old key into the cover and tucked it behind the dashboard, well away the new barrell . Hope this helps

Ian, February 2009

Well I am gonna try and resolve the very same thing this evening on my Grandson's Saxo.....
I am told to spray as much WD40 in and around the lock barrel and very gently tap with a hammer....wish me luck

Hugster, February 2009

My Saxo 1.1 T reg ignition barrel has done the same, so bought new barrel, connected up first before fitting properly to make sure it works. Engine turns over nicely, but car doesn't fire up. If I turn the key all the way it cuts out altogether. When I get to the part where the engine is turning, I can let go of the key and barrel and it continues to turn over!! The new keys aren't chipped, but even if I have my original key on touching the barrel or within the vicinity of any part of the ignition/dash area, it still doesn't work!!
Help!!!!

Carl, January 2009

common saxo problem, cheap metals fusing together when hot, the key just bonds. Best bet is to go to a scrap yard. DO NOT GO TO CITROEN, WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY'LL REPLACE IT WITH.

W H LONGLEY, January 2009

I've just had the same problem and was told by the RAC that the ignition switch needed replacing - it probably had about a week left in it if I was lucky. I've had loads of problems with the car recently and can't wait to get a different one. I've been ripped off by the company who replaced the part and who were recommended to me by the RAC guy that came to help me.

Vicky, December 2008

i have had it happen to me today. i have a 1.0 saxo first and the key got stuck, would turn off and so i stalled it. i had to get the RAC who took the under side of the dash off and disconnected it and towed it to a citroen garage. i think i have to get new keys that are coded because when the RAC man diconnected the wires the car wont even start in "hotwire fashion". can anyone tell me how much they paid in total to get theirs fixed that have had the same (ish) probs as me??

thanks!

rachel, December 2008

This has just happened to my Citroen Saxo 1.1 litre engine. Just can't remove the key from the ignition nor turn the car off. Had to stall the car and now Green Flag is on its way. Is this the beginning of the end for this 8 year old car?

Debra, October 2008

great! I could have written the first note myselfas my ignition key got stuck in completely the same way on Wednesday 23 10 08 It will cost at least 120 for barrel, then coding and garage fees. Now tonight the heater has completely stopped and it was always so good and the brake indicator light on the dash board is not coming on. As car seems to have been falling apart since it hit 5 years, changing the car seems the only alternative.

Sue H, October 2008

ive just had the same thing happen to my saxo 1.4 west coast. within the barrel its probably melted and snapped the pics u have to remove the whole ignition and get a new one its costing me over a 100 quid

iom boi, October 2008