Citroen Saxo ignition problems - help please

thriftykatie

I have a problem with my r reg saxo. It is the 1.4 sx 5 door version. The problem is that when I place the key in, turn it, a flashing orange like colour with a symbol of a key appears. When this light appears the car will not start. sometimes the key works and sometimes it does. Very strange. I have seen this problem on other sites but no satisfactory response. I have mentioned it when it has been serviced but noone has been able to sort it.

The 'experts' on here have helped me with lots of other queries (and through them I am sorting out my life) so hopefully someone out there can help me on this one...

Thanks in advance

hewhoisnotintheknow

its the immobiliser light

try the other key

thriftykatie

Thanks - have tried that but I have the same problem.

swiftnick

Hi Katie,

Sounds very much like an immobiliser fault that only a citroen dealer will be able to fix on their diagnostic equipment.

I work at an independent garage and though we can code read and programe a lot of cars we fail on French stuff.

Worth giving them a ring and getting a quote.

Nick

hewhoisnotintheknow

there is a little aerial that picks up the signal from the key so the car can start

try holding the spare key close to the barrel as you try to start it.

The aerials are cheap and take minutes to replace

thriftykatie

Thank you both - will try hewhoisnotintheknow's suggestion with the key first - have avoided going to the Citroen dealer as I was worried it would cost me an arm and a leg.

I am assuming that if holding the spare key against the barrel works that means there is some poor connection and I need the aerial replacing? If this is the case is it something I can do myself?

hewhoisnotintheknow

thriftykatie wrote: »

Thank you both - will try hewhoisnotintheknow's suggestion with the key first - have avoided going to the Citroen dealer as I was worried it would cost me an arm and a leg.

I am assuming that if holding the spare key against the barrel works that means there is some poor connection and I need the aerial replacing? If this is the case is it something I can do myself?

if you are handy yes, if not buy the spare part for a few quid on ebay and get a garage to fit it