Pontiac Repair: Grand am starts sometimes, lock cylinder, key lock

Question
I have a 1996 Grand am 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder automatic tranmission.  My car starts sometimes.  It has been acting up for me.  Some times the car starts great with no problems.  Other times I try to start it and it just about starts and then shuts off.  I noticed the other day when it will not start there is a theft system light that blinks.  I didn't know if it was an ignition problem or something else.

Answer
Hi Darin:

The problem is with the factory anti theft system. More than likely the pass key lock cylinder in the steering column is going bad. That has to be replaced before the car will not start at all. it's a pretty easy fix and the par is not all the expensive. The part is about $150.00 plus labor. The part is a dealer only part though.