Pontiac Repair: Battery Light, gm recall, key cylinder

Question
Curtis, a mechanic did some work on my 19996 2.4 Sunfire he changed what he said was a bad starter (I never had trouble with it before he said it was bad) also the engine light on (WHICH IS WHY I BROUGHT IT in) he changed the oxygen sensor and re-programmed the factory installed security system (I do not not have the "clicker" for the door locks).  Now I really don't know what's going on, I  stopped at the store then when I tried to start the car it would kick over and then stop the  "security system" light would come on.  I disconnected the battery several times for different lengths of time NO Good.  Then after about 1 1/2 hours it just started.  In driving it home every idiot light was flashing, the running lights were flashing, the tach was jumping all over.  Now the 'Battery light' is the only light on, what is this light trying to tell me--Bad battery, alt or what?  Please any help.  Just a side note I had my car in to this mechanic 3X(s) for the original problem of the engine light on and he would fix it for about 10 miles then it would come back on.  That was the only light that didn't come on in the last episode.

Thanx

Doug

Answer
Hi
First I would find another repair shop. I would then take it to them, and explain it all to them.
SOUNDS like either the Alternator or the Battery. Have thm load test the battery.
Also if possible, have them check voltage output from the Alt. both at the battery AND off the back of the alt.
Check GROUNDS. Battery negative cable, and other grounds.
Your vehicle MAY HAVE BEEN, WAS or IS eligible for a GM recall where a Starter relay is put in series with the Starter solonoid circuit. Check with your dealership and see if it has been done.
If not get it done, and they are SUPPOSED to check the Ignition switch for being able to handle the load of the starting system.
You MAY also have a faulty Ignition electrical switch (not the key cylinder) That COULD explain the flashing lights.

The IPC (Instrument panel cluster)  also controls the VTD (Vehicle Theft deterrent) system. If it is faulty, it could also be causing ALL OF  these symptoms, INCLUDING the lights as it is the BCM of these vehicles.
A Good shop SHOULD be able to observe data from the IPC and see if they can communicate with it. If not  your problem VERY well may be the IPC.
Just things to have your NEW shop check.
I would also IF your Not satisfied with the work Curtis did, I would either ask for a refund or have a chat with his boss. A partial refund in my opinion would be feasable at least from labor charge.
Just advice from experience.
Hope this helps
Good Luck
Pawl