Hi guys,

Key is very stiff to turn in ignition as key is starting to wear.
Tried spare key I had cut a few yrs.ago&engine management light comes on,also an orange light saying "key code"

Can you please help?!

You need a coded key to start the engine. It's coded to the immobiliser. If you just got one cut it'll open the doors but not the engine. Most likely a sticky barrel rather than a problem with your key

Been told to tape old key to new one,that way new key will turn ignition&immoboliser will still sense chip in old one...!

I don't think you need a new key though. Sticky barrels usually cause that so a new key will be the same.

Taping it does work but who wants 2 keys taped together?
I think there is a guide to fix a sticky barrel. If not on the punto section the sei/cinq section