2011 Camaro 2SS will sometimes lose all power and will not start - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

fourohfive · 08-29-2012, 11:03 AM

ok...here is what is happening: I put my key in the ignition and turn to the on position. Everything comes on like it should. As soon as I turn the key to the start position, the entire vehicle goes dead with the exception of the theft-deterrent light on the display panel and the car will not start. This can go on for a few minutes to a few hours.

I have tried using both keys with the same result. I've asked onstar to run a diagnostic, and they said nothing came back because the vehicle didn't have power. As a side note, I called onstar with the key in the on position. They ran a diagnostic and everything came back fine. As soon as I turned the key to the start position, I lost connection with onstar (because everything goes dead) and when I called back they said nothing came back.

When this is happening, the car will start remotely. However, when I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position, the car engine shuts off and the horn starts honking.

There is currently 33,000 miles on the vehicle. This has been an ongoing issue since there was about 3,000 miles. I have taken the vehicle to the service center of the dealership where I bought it four times for this issue. They cannot duplicate the problem and say they can't do anything unless they get a code to know what exactly is wrong. The fourth time I took it to the service center, I had it towed while the problem was happening. However, when they tried to start it, it started first try.

This problem can happen any time of the day at any location. Service center said it might either be interference from outside the vehicle if it is happening in one exact spot (which it isn't) or interference from a device like my cell phone when in the vehicle. I have taken all devices out of the vehicle and it still happens. Dealership has said they called GM and GM states there are no other reported instances like mine.

My question is this: Is there anything I can do about this, or am I just stuck with a lemon vehicle for as long as I own the car? Warranty runs out at 36,000 miles. I am sure the service department will be able to fix it at 36,001 miles...

Thanks for any advice!

fourohfive · 08-29-2012, 11:11 AM

I just read the sticky with GM's number. Is this my next step? Will it help? My biggest issue (besides the being late for work a few times a month) is that I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As such, my body cannot stand the heat, and I literally lose feeling and control of my body. If I am stuck in my car, when it isn't starting, for 10 plus minutes in 100 degree weather, my health goes downhill very quickly and I could die.

Avenging Orange · 08-29-2012, 08:41 PM

First, I'm very sorrry to hear of your recent diagnosis.
I have heard somewhere on this site of a similar incident wherein the car will start with the remote only. I would try another dealer...and yes, do call GM and let them know of your issue. I would be thinking that maybe something is not grounded properly or loose. I hope others might help shed some light on this........Good luck.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-30-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourohfive

ok...here is what is happening: I put my key in the ignition and turn to the on position. Everything comes on like it should. As soon as I turn the key to the start position, the entire vehicle goes dead with the exception of the theft-deterrent light on the display panel and the car will not start. This can go on for a few minutes to a few hours.

I have tried using both keys with the same result. I've asked onstar to run a diagnostic, and they said nothing came back because the vehicle didn't have power. As a side note, I called onstar with the key in the on position. They ran a diagnostic and everything came back fine. As soon as I turned the key to the start position, I lost connection with onstar (because everything goes dead) and when I called back they said nothing came back.

When this is happening, the car will start remotely. However, when I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position, the car engine shuts off and the horn starts honking.

There is currently 33,000 miles on the vehicle. This has been an ongoing issue since there was about 3,000 miles. I have taken the vehicle to the service center of the dealership where I bought it four times for this issue. They cannot duplicate the problem and say they can't do anything unless they get a code to know what exactly is wrong. The fourth time I took it to the service center, I had it towed while the problem was happening. However, when they tried to start it, it started first try.

This problem can happen any time of the day at any location. Service center said it might either be interference from outside the vehicle if it is happening in one exact spot (which it isn't) or interference from a device like my cell phone when in the vehicle. I have taken all devices out of the vehicle and it still happens. Dealership has said they called GM and GM states there are no other reported instances like mine.

My question is this: Is there anything I can do about this, or am I just stuck with a lemon vehicle for as long as I own the car? Warranty runs out at 36,000 miles. I am sure the service department will be able to fix it at 36,001 miles...

Thanks for any advice!

I apologize for the inconveniences that you may be experiencing! If you would like, I can research the issue you are experiencing by setting up a case with GM customer service. Please PM me with your first and last name, address, phone number, VIN, mileage and involved dealership!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

POWERFREAK · 08-30-2012, 08:12 AM

Oh, that sucks. Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, best of luck to you.

Maybe the ignition switch or something in the ignition? Maybe a bad ground.

I do remember in 2010, some early builds were recalled due to a bad battery cable in the engine compartment (I don't remember if it was a + or - cable). I would hope that your dealer would have checked that. If you have another dealer near by, I would try them. You never know what a different tech might think to check. Because of your health condition, I would think you'd have the rite to demand that they at least try and fix something to see if it works. Obviously there's something wrong and you're not just making it up. I just need a service manager that wants to help you and not just tell you they can't replicate the problem.

fourohfive · 08-30-2012, 08:36 AM

Thanks Avenging. I think what gets me the most is that the dealership won't even try to troubleshoot. They say that if there isn't a code, they have nothing to go on.

Chevrolet, thank you. I will do that.

fourohfive · 08-30-2012, 08:39 AM

Thanks Power. I plan on taking it to another dealer in a couple weeks when I have a day off work. It didn't start again this morning. That makes twice this week that I've been late for work. The dealer didn't check anything (as far as I know) because they said they can't do anything without a code.

POWERFREAK · 08-30-2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourohfive

Thanks Power. I plan on taking it to another dealer in a couple weeks when I have a day off work. It didn't start again this morning. That makes twice this week that I've been late for work. The dealer didn't check anything (as far as I know) because they said they can't do anything without a code.

That sounds very lazy on their part. Could have at least checked all the batt cables and grounds. If it doesnt start (or the problem is more mechanical and less computer related) how the heck is it supposed to throw a code? And has it ever actually thrown a code? Lack of customer service just sucks everywhere these days.

Jayrcr3 · 08-30-2012, 09:26 AM

It sounds to me like it's the anti theft system. I believe there is an rfid tag in the key. When you put the key in the ignition the computer verifies that the key matches the car, and if they don't, it disables it.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

POWERFREAK · 08-30-2012, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayrcr3

It sounds to me like it's the anti theft system. I believe there is an rfid tag in the key. When you put the key in the ignition the computer verifies that the key matches the car, and if they don't, it disables it.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Yup, i agree.

ptxl1000 · 09-03-2012, 09:36 PM

Mine does similar to original post, but when it disables the "service stabilitrak" is displayed where the digital speedo is. Car acts like the battery is dead. Weird thing is that if I run a paper towel down the groves of the key it seems to cure it. There was alot of grease in the groove of the key when I bought it in January, could the remainder of excess grease keep causing this?

fourohfive · 09-04-2012, 03:41 PM

Thanks for the ideas! Service department didn't do anything except hook up car and look for a code. And I really think that if they can duplicate the problem, no code will appear anyway--everything is dead.

Oh well, crossing my fingers GM customer support can help!

SirPhobos1 · 09-04-2012, 09:03 PM

I might have a similar problem.. Here's a quick video I made of one instance where the car wouldn't start:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLKM4aDa5jk

Sometimes the light blinks, sometimes it doesn't. I notice that when this happens, if I take the key out, and lock the car, the horn sound is very quick and the red dash light blinks very...oddly.

So far, I have no definite cause of this problem. Everything I try to troubleshoot it has lead me nowhere. Sometimes I get in the car and it starts on the first try, sometimes it's several tries. It happens with every key that we have.

Hope this helps, somehow. Let me know what you find out!

fourohfive · 09-05-2012, 01:01 PM

Sir,

That looks exactly like what is happening to mine. If I find anything out, I will post back here.

08-29-2012, 11:03 AM	#1
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	2011 Camaro 2SS will sometimes lose all power and will not start ok...here is what is happening: I put my key in the ignition and turn to the on position. Everything comes on like it should. As soon as I turn the key to the start position, the entire vehicle goes dead with the exception of the theft-deterrent light on the display panel and the car will not start. This can go on for a few minutes to a few hours. I have tried using both keys with the same result. I've asked onstar to run a diagnostic, and they said nothing came back because the vehicle didn't have power. As a side note, I called onstar with the key in the on position. They ran a diagnostic and everything came back fine. As soon as I turned the key to the start position, I lost connection with onstar (because everything goes dead) and when I called back they said nothing came back. When this is happening, the car will start remotely. However, when I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position, the car engine shuts off and the horn starts honking. There is currently 33,000 miles on the vehicle. This has been an ongoing issue since there was about 3,000 miles. I have taken the vehicle to the service center of the dealership where I bought it four times for this issue. They cannot duplicate the problem and say they can't do anything unless they get a code to know what exactly is wrong. The fourth time I took it to the service center, I had it towed while the problem was happening. However, when they tried to start it, it started first try. This problem can happen any time of the day at any location. Service center said it might either be interference from outside the vehicle if it is happening in one exact spot (which it isn't) or interference from a device like my cell phone when in the vehicle. I have taken all devices out of the vehicle and it still happens. Dealership has said they called GM and GM states there are no other reported instances like mine. My question is this: Is there anything I can do about this, or am I just stuck with a lemon vehicle for as long as I own the car? Warranty runs out at 36,000 miles. I am sure the service department will be able to fix it at 36,001 miles... Thanks for any advice!

08-29-2012, 08:41 PM	#3
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	First, I'm very sorrry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I have heard somewhere on this site of a similar incident wherein the car will start with the remote only. I would try another dealer...and yes, do call GM and let them know of your issue. I would be thinking that maybe something is not grounded properly or loose. I hope others might help shed some light on this........Good luck. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

08-30-2012, 08:12 AM	#5
POWERFREAK I.AM. Drives: 2011 2SS/RS/A6 cammed-n-whippled Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,638	Oh, that sucks. Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, best of luck to you. Maybe the ignition switch or something in the ignition? Maybe a bad ground. I do remember in 2010, some early builds were recalled due to a bad battery cable in the engine compartment (I don't remember if it was a + or - cable). I would hope that your dealer would have checked that. If you have another dealer near by, I would try them. You never know what a different tech might think to check. Because of your health condition, I would think you'd have the rite to demand that they at least try and fix something to see if it works. Obviously there's something wrong and you're not just making it up. I just need a service manager that wants to help you and not just tell you they can't replicate the problem. __________________ NY5thgen.com

08-30-2012, 09:26 AM	#9
Jayrcr3 Drives: 2011 IOM 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chatham, Illinois Posts: 756	It sounds to me like it's the anti theft system. I believe there is an rfid tag in the key. When you put the key in the ignition the computer verifies that the key matches the car, and if they don't, it disables it. Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 __________________ American Racing 1 7/8" Headers and Hi-Flow Cats, CAI cold air intake, Flowmaster AT exhaust, Vengeance Racing Stage 2 cam, VMax ported throttle body, TEA valve springs and titanium retainers, Trick Flow hardened pushrods, 180* T-stat, Comp Trunion kit, ZL1 Fuel Pump, ADM Fuel Pump Control Module, 20% window tint, Whipple Supercharger. Tuned by Mike Norris Motorsports. 656rwhp/584rwtq @10 PSI.

09-04-2012, 09:03 PM	#13
SirPhobos1 STAY PUFT Drives: Gone Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 329	I might have a similar problem.. Here's a quick video I made of one instance where the car wouldn't start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLKM4aDa5jk Sometimes the light blinks, sometimes it doesn't. I notice that when this happens, if I take the key out, and lock the car, the horn sound is very quick and the red dash light blinks very...oddly. So far, I have no definite cause of this problem. Everything I try to troubleshoot it has lead me nowhere. Sometimes I get in the car and it starts on the first try, sometimes it's several tries. It happens with every key that we have. Hope this helps, somehow. Let me know what you find out! __________________ 2016 Hyper Blue Metallic 2LT RS - 6/13/2018-4/5/2022 SECOND 2010 Synergy Green Metallic - 5/4/2012-4/15/2016 2010 Synergy Green Metallic - 4/21/2010-7/15/2011

08-29-2012, 11:11 AM	#2
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	I just read the sticky with GM's number. Is this my next step? Will it help? My biggest issue (besides the being late for work a few times a month) is that I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As such, my body cannot stand the heat, and I literally lose feeling and control of my body. If I am stuck in my car, when it isn't starting, for 10 plus minutes in 100 degree weather, my health goes downhill very quickly and I could die.

08-30-2012, 08:36 AM	#6
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	Thanks Avenging. I think what gets me the most is that the dealership won't even try to troubleshoot. They say that if there isn't a code, they have nothing to go on. Chevrolet, thank you. I will do that.

08-30-2012, 08:39 AM	#7
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	Thanks Power. I plan on taking it to another dealer in a couple weeks when I have a day off work. It didn't start again this morning. That makes twice this week that I've been late for work. The dealer didn't check anything (as far as I know) because they said they can't do anything without a code.

09-03-2012, 09:36 PM	#11
ptxl1000 Drives: 2012 Ashen Gray 1SS Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 17	Mine does similar to original post, but when it disables the "service stabilitrak" is displayed where the digital speedo is. Car acts like the battery is dead. Weird thing is that if I run a paper towel down the groves of the key it seems to cure it. There was alot of grease in the groove of the key when I bought it in January, could the remainder of excess grease keep causing this?

09-04-2012, 03:41 PM	#12
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	Thanks for the ideas! Service department didn't do anything except hook up car and look for a code. And I really think that if they can duplicate the problem, no code will appear anyway--everything is dead. Oh well, crossing my fingers GM customer support can help!

09-05-2012, 01:01 PM	#14
fourohfive Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 16	Sir, That looks exactly like what is happening to mine. If I find anything out, I will post back here.