Unfortunately, no this is not some fancy mod, but yet another fault with my punto. With the engine started and running i can just slip the key out of the barrel, and the car will still run. This itself is just a quirky little snag, nothing too anoying, but what is annoying is that someone previously has taped over the airbag warning light with black tape. I am also getting passenger airbag warning light intermitently. Are these problems linked? Thanks

unlikely

if you remove the steering column cover with the 4 allen headed screws the you can remove the barrel by turning on the ignition then pressing a lever down on the side of the lock and pull it out (may be slightly tricky if the key comes out)

Then you could get a replacement ignition lock and you could disassemble the locks and change the pins over. I've got a spare lock set I may have a look how easy it is to do.

Happened to have a look at an ignition lock today.

Can you feel bumps when you insert your key if not try putting a screw driver into the lock and turn.

Pretty sure someones had the lock apart and removed the waffers, as the waffers are what hold the key in once turned.

my key does this
not conected to airbag fault, that needs a bit of loom mod done at fiat part is under a fiver and its about an hours labour. had mine done over a year ago and has been fine since

The steering lock can be replaced, but the original immobiliser transponder chip has to be swapped into the new key handle.

The Fiat airbag fix is cheap and cures the problem.

Forgot to say there is a chance it could do this if the cuts in the key are fairly level or get small towards the end.

I could make a tut on opening the ignition lock and decoding the lock, also could be used to make a replacement lock from spare locks if anyones interested.