Pontiac Repair: 2001 Pontiac Aztek - key removed but engine was still running, 2001 pontiac aztek, pontiac aztek

Question
Today I got out of the car and took the key out but the engine was still running. All the power was off on the inside of the car, no radio, dashboard lights, heat, etc. We couldn't restart the car but if we turned the key we got the radio, heat and dashboard lights on. Since we weren't home we didn't have the proper tools to get to the battery to remove the connections and after about 5-10 minutes the car died. It started to sound very strained and something was smoking before it died. Any clue as to what happened or what the problem was and maybe a cost estimate to get it fixed while we wait?

A few years ago the key was stuck in the ignition. We took it to the dealer and they fixed two wires in it and 11 days later the same problem happened again. We found a new mechanic who did 'electrical work' and he said it was a solenoid problem and fixed it for us. We have had no problems with it since, until today....

Answer
Hi Jess:

does this have an aftermarket remote starter on it? if so I would suspect that is the culprit here. If not then your guess is as good as mine. VERY strange. I can't say that I have heard of that sort of an issue on those suv's. They are noted for 2 things eletrical ignition switches going bad and body control modules both items caus all kinds of "strange things" to happen with these. With out seeing it can't tell you want the issue is. where did you see it smoking from under the hood or in the passenger compartment? either way I would get it towed to some place that has a clue as to what they are doing. A Gm dealership or an AC Delco repair center.