Pontiac Repair: 96 pontiac grand am starts cuts off, all dash lights on, digital volt meter, pontiac grand am

Question
i have a 1996 pontiac grand am gt with the 3.1 engine. I've had problems recently with the car running. I'm having problems diagnosing the electrical problem, which im almost positive is what it is. When i turn the key into the on position all the instrument lights come on and stay on. When i turn the car over it will start up for a second and then die, like the security system is shutting off the injectors or the pump. I dont think its just the security system because resetting it doesnt work, the light was never flashing to begin with. All the other dash lights are on, the problem is intermittent though and once in a great while the car will start and stay idling yet all the lights will still stay on. I have heard a loud click or pop when the lights have shut off, im not sure what that could be and the only thing i could think was a bad ground or relay somewhere. i've checked all the fuses and they are all good. im completely baffled by this and i could really use some help, anything would be greatly appreciated. sorry my question wasnt so brief.

Answer
Hi Willaim:

Well I thionk you have a few issues here. A secuirty system issue and maybe a bad connection. These cars are noted for bad ignition lock cylinders causing security codes. The second part of this may be a bad ignition switch. when it will not start check for full battrey power on all the fuses. use a digital volt meter and check for battery voltage on all of the fuses. if you have a bad ignition switch you will have far less voltage then battery on some of the fuses. Also check all the grounds on the body and the battery.Good luck :)