I have a 1995 camaro v6 3.4 and the key switch went out on it. the dealership is telling me that scince the key has a chip in it they need to do it so that they can reprogram it but they are going to charge over $300 to do it. then other mechanics are saying that they can put a keyswitch in that doesnt need a chip on the key for $150 but i dont get it because the dealership is saying you cant do it. has anybody had this problem? cause i really dont know who to trust because the dealership is a ripoff and some mechanics dont know what they are talking about.

 

Is it the switch or the acctual lock cylinder? The switch will have nothing to do with the key chip. The signal works between the chip and computer. If its the lock cylinder and you have the key a locksmith may have or can get a cylinder and key it to your key. All you need to keep is your key so a locksmith can identify which key you need.

 

If it's not the VATs setup there's a couple ways to work around it so you don't need the expensive ugly key.

The 'chip' is actually a resistor who's value is stored in the car's security system. If the key's resistance doesn't match up, the car won't start. You can measure the resistance of the key with an accurate digital ohm meter and splice the proper value resistor into the wiring harness.

Another way around it is to use a 'key eliminator' like those used on aftermarket remote starters. One advantage to this setup is you can add on a remote hidden switch to enable the security system's no start feature.

But before you go either route, try cleaning the key and the cylinder contacts with some contact cleaner. From what I've heard, that's the most common problem.

 

I am with 01 camaro cp all the way. the most common cause is a dirty connection at the resistor(chip, not even a chip people just call it that because they dont know what it is.) if its the tumbler or switch itself you can install it yourself it just has two wires to connect. the V.A.T.S. module is proggrammed to see a resistance value and if the value is off because of a poor connection between the key and the contacts in the switch it will not let the injectors pass fuel. so try spraying some contact cleaner in the switch first and clean the key terminals little black patch at the base of the key. you have a 95 so you have V.A.T.S not passkey or passkey 2 . the contact cleaner you can get from NAPA, its call electronic contact cleaner.Hope this helps.by the way you can get a blank key and or switch of of e-bay you just have to know your resistance value from the key. easy to check though. they sell the keys on ebay with your value the take it to a locksmith or wal-mart give them your old key and the new one and they will cut it.

 

The Tri-Clor of some contact cleaners can be harmful to some plastics and if you like shinny plastic, be really careful with the spray. Another good and plastic safe cleaner is regular old rubbing alcohol. Put a drop on the key and work it in and out of the lock. Do this a few times till the key comes out clean.

 

i have never had a problem with the contact cleaner i suggested and i use it about every other day on connectors made of plastic. but i guess its better to be safe than sorry. either way will result in the same outcome so go with with what you fill comfortable with.

 

"... but i guess its better to be safe than sorry..."

You ain't kidding on that!!! Nothing like an angry customer demanding you replace several hundred $$$ in trim because of the 'white spots' on the plastic. Some people get pretty fanatic about their rides ... or think they can make a big profit from a mistake.

 

yeah, i know what you mean by trying to make a profit. i had the neighbors son ask me to look at his dash a few years back, he the lights didnt work in the dash. me being me, i pulled the dash out to check the simple thing first and sure enough all the bulbs were blown, not a wiring problem as he thought. so, i had some bulbs and installed them. i didnt charge him a dime for the bulbs or labor. the very next day he called me up and was mad as a wet hen, he said i did something wrong because there was fluid leaking from under the dash. long story short the clutch was hydraulic and just so happens it started leaking the day after i put the bulbs in for him. i told him what the problem was and to never ask for my help again. he was wanting me to fix the fluid leaks for free, because i put bulbs in the dash the day before.

 

Dont ya just love people like that. You do a simple fix on thier car and any and all problems that come after are forever your fault.[:@]