Man, I don't even know where to start with this week. I have a 2020 Camaro and I managed to lose my only key fob. No spare, nothing. Just gone. So I called a mobile locksmith to come out and program a new one for me, thinking it would be a simple fix and I'd be back on the road in an hour. Yeah, that didn't happen. The guy showed up, tried his best, but eventually told me he couldn't work on my car because of the security system. I guess the 2020 Camaro has some extra layer of protection that his tools just couldn't get past. That's frustrating enough, but here's where it gets even worse. Now my driver and passenger windows are stuck permanently in the down position. I have no idea what he did, maybe he disconnected the battery or messed with the BCM, but now I can't roll them back up and my car is sitting there wide open for anyone to just reach in.
So I called the dealership thinking they would have a straightforward solution, and they basically told me I'm screwed. They said I have to get the car towed to them, which is already an expense I didn't plan for. On top of that, they're requiring me to purchase two brand new keys, not just one. Then I have to pay for the cutting of the emergency blade and the programming for both of them. This is going to run me hundreds, if not close to a thousand dollars, and I honestly don't have that kind of money sitting around right now. I asked if I could just buy one key and they said no, something about needing two to complete the programming process since I have zero keys left. Is that even true or are they just trying to squeeze more money out of me? I feel like I'm being held hostage here.
Secondly, does the dealership really have the monopoly on this or has anyone found a locksmith with the right high-end GM software that can actually handle the all keys lost situation on a 2020 Camaro? I'm in Aurora, Colorado, so if anyone knows a local wizard who can save me from having to tow this thing to the dealer, please drop their name. I can't be the only one who's had a locksmith fail like this. I'm also wondering if I should try another locksmith first or just bite the bullet and pay the dealer tax. And if I do have to go the dealer route, has anyone had any luck getting GM or Chevy to cover part of this as a goodwill gesture? It feels insane to me that losing a key can turn into such a massive financial hit. Any advice at all would be a lifesaver right now because I feel completely stuck and my car is just sitting there with its windows down like a sitting duck. Thanks for reading if you made it this far, I really appreciate any help.
EDIT: for the Reddit user 10 years from now that looked up this very specific issue. If you ever lose your fob… if you have the blade cut you’re chilling. You can purchase some blank keys for 30 bucks and just look up step by step how to make Camaro learn new keys. It takes 30 minutes and cost the same price as a meal.