Key will not go into ignition - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-30-2020, 10:14 PM

My original switchblade broke several years ago, and I've been using the spare since.

Today the spare broke off as well. The key part is still intact, but it will not go into the ignition switch. The key fob still works except for the auto start.

It will go into the door and unlock it, but when I open the door the factory alarm goes off.

I'm guessing the theft deterrent system is doing this and not allowing the key to go into the ignition?

I'm supposed to be at work at 7am, but cant get there if the key wont go in the ignition.

Is there a way to reset the theft deterrent system?

I tried disconnecting the battery but that didn't do anything.

InFiD3ViL · 03-30-2020, 10:31 PM

I don't think you can bypass it that easily, otherwise it would deter much theft. Well that sucks. What broke on the switchblade key? Just the pin holding the key itself to the fob or did the key itself snap?

Does the plastic part have to be located very close to the key/ignition for it to work? I wish I knew more about this to help you.

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-30-2020, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I don't think you can bypass it that easily, otherwise it would deter much theft. Well that sucks. What broke on the switchblade key? Just the pin holding the key itself to the fob or did the key itself snap?

Does the plastic part have to be located very close to the key/ignition for it to work? I wish I knew more about this to help you.

The key broke off, but not enough of it where it couldn't be used until I can get another.

As I already mentioned, it will go in the drivers side door and unlock it, but the alarm will come on as soon as I open the door.

It will start in the ignition but just goes barely in and stops.

It's not bent or has damage that is preventing it from going in. It just wont go in.

StingrayblueSS · 03-30-2020, 10:40 PM

Did you try calling onstar?

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-30-2020, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingrayblueSS

Did you try calling onstar?

Onstar will not come on unless the key is in the ignition. I'm not subscribed to them so wouldn't make any difference anyway.

StingrayblueSS · 03-30-2020, 11:18 PM

This is from the manual.

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-30-2020, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingrayblueSS

This is from the manual.

I cannot turn the ignition to the "on" position because the key will not go into the ignition.

That's the whole problem, the key will not go into the ignition, but it will go into the door,,,,,,,,,,,,unreal,

0stones0 · 03-31-2020, 03:06 AM

You say the fob works, except for the auto start. This is going to sound ridiculous but, did you unlock the door with the fob unlock button? It’s my understanding that’s the only way to disarm the system if that is the way you locked it. Meaning you used the fob, to lock it.

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-31-2020, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0stones0

You say the fob works, except for the auto start. This is going to sound ridiculous but, did you unlock the door with the fob unlock button? It’s my understanding that’s the only way to disarm the system if that is the way you locked it. Meaning you used the fob, to lock it.

It makes no difference whether I use the fob, or the key to unlock the door, the key will still not go in the ignition.

HDRDTD · 03-31-2020, 08:56 AM

Get a flashlight and look in the ignition switch to see if perhaps, something is still inside it, perhaps a piece of something ? that would prevent the key from going any further into the ignition ???

Greenhornet2 · 03-31-2020, 11:37 AM

A picture of the key may help. Sounds like you need a new key asap and possibly part of it is stuck in the ignition cylinderif it broke inside there meaning you may also need the ignition cylinder if you can't get the piece out. Dealership will have what you need and can get it fairly quick

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-31-2020, 12:06 PM

Ignition cylinder was removed, 2 bad tumblers replaced, new key cut with a new key fob (exact factory match). $260. There is a tool that can be used to remove the ignition cylinder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo

Anyway, it is fixed and I have a brand new switchblade key, set me back $260, but I could not have DIY, this entire process.

If someone out there has this problem in the future and has another car to drive, you could save a little money buying the tool ($40), and taking the cylinder to a locksmith, instead of having one come out to your home.

InFiD3ViL · 03-31-2020, 12:12 PM

Sucks it cost you but $260 really isn't terrible for this. I would have guessed a lot higher. Glad you got it sorted.

Joe M 2012 2SS · 03-31-2020, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

Sucks it cost you but $260 really isn't terrible for this. I would have guessed a lot higher. Glad you got it sorted.

No it wasn't too bad considering the amount of work, along with the new switchblade fob, and key cut. Took about 3 hours total.

I happened to play golf with this guy a week ago, and because of that he cut me a better price.

03-30-2020, 10:14 PM	#1
Joe M 2012 2SS Drives: 2012 2SS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Shelby NC Posts: 2,549 View My Garage	Key will not go into ignition My original switchblade broke several years ago, and I've been using the spare since. Today the spare broke off as well. The key part is still intact, but it will not go into the ignition switch. The key fob still works except for the auto start. It will go into the door and unlock it, but when I open the door the factory alarm goes off. I'm guessing the theft deterrent system is doing this and not allowing the key to go into the ignition? I'm supposed to be at work at 7am, but cant get there if the key wont go in the ignition. Is there a way to reset the theft deterrent system? I tried disconnecting the battery but that didn't do anything. __________________ Roto-Fab intake, SW 1 7/8" LT w/hi flow cats, Flowmaster outlaw exhaust, UDP, 160* stat, Circle D 3200, Moroso catch can, TCI line lock, Zex Nitrous 125 shot, 3.91 gear, Eaton True-trac, DSS 1000hp axles.

03-30-2020, 10:31 PM	#2
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,570	I don't think you can bypass it that easily, otherwise it would deter much theft. Well that sucks. What broke on the switchblade key? Just the pin holding the key itself to the fob or did the key itself snap? Does the plastic part have to be located very close to the key/ignition for it to work? I wish I knew more about this to help you. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

03-30-2020, 10:40 PM	#4
StingrayblueSS Drives: 2013 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Indiana Posts: 901	Did you try calling onstar? __________________ 2013 Camaro SS Kooks Headers Vararam DRX 1le Differential 3.91 Bo White throttle body Magnaflow Competition Exhaust 12.391 112 MPH 10/05/19

03-30-2020, 11:18 PM	#6
StingrayblueSS Drives: 2013 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Indiana Posts: 901	This is from the manual. Attached Images __________________ 2013 Camaro SS Kooks Headers Vararam DRX 1le Differential 3.91 Bo White throttle body Magnaflow Competition Exhaust 12.391 112 MPH 10/05/19

03-31-2020, 03:06 AM	#8
0stones0 It don’t come easy. Drives: 2010 2SS RS M6 Join Date: May 2014 Location: WI Posts: 2,203 View My Garage	You say the fob works, except for the auto start. This is going to sound ridiculous but, did you unlock the door with the fob unlock button? It’s my understanding that’s the only way to disarm the system if that is the way you locked it. Meaning you used the fob, to lock it. __________________

03-31-2020, 08:56 AM	#10
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	Get a flashlight and look in the ignition switch to see if perhaps, something is still inside it, perhaps a piece of something ? that would prevent the key from going any further into the ignition ???

03-31-2020, 11:37 AM	#11
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	A picture of the key may help. Sounds like you need a new key asap and possibly part of it is stuck in the ignition cylinderif it broke inside there meaning you may also need the ignition cylinder if you can't get the piece out. Dealership will have what you need and can get it fairly quick __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

03-31-2020, 12:06 PM	#12
Joe M 2012 2SS Drives: 2012 2SS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Shelby NC Posts: 2,549 View My Garage	Ignition cylinder was removed, 2 bad tumblers replaced, new key cut with a new key fob (exact factory match). $260. There is a tool that can be used to remove the ignition cylinder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo Anyway, it is fixed and I have a brand new switchblade key, set me back $260, but I could not have DIY, this entire process. If someone out there has this problem in the future and has another car to drive, you could save a little money buying the tool ($40), and taking the cylinder to a locksmith, instead of having one come out to your home. __________________ Roto-Fab intake, SW 1 7/8" LT w/hi flow cats, Flowmaster outlaw exhaust, UDP, 160* stat, Circle D 3200, Moroso catch can, TCI line lock, Zex Nitrous 125 shot, 3.91 gear, Eaton True-trac, DSS 1000hp axles.

03-31-2020, 12:12 PM	#13
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,570	Sucks it cost you but $260 really isn't terrible for this. I would have guessed a lot higher. Glad you got it sorted. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI