Oldsmobile/Buick: 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, late model cars, oldsmobile cutlass

Question
I own a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass and have frequently experienced this problem since I got the car 4 years ago.  Whenever I go to start the engine and it doesn't "catch" or start on the first try, the "Theft System" light flashes on my dashboard and the engine completely disengages.  I'm unable to start the car for at least 5 minutes, or until that light stops flashing.  This morning it happened again but I had to wait 15 minutes for the light to stop flashing before I could start the car.  As far as I know, I don't even have a theft system.  I've taken the car to the local dealership twice and they can't seem to figure out what's wrong.  They've kept my car all day both times only to tell me when I pick it up, "It didn't happen when we tried it."  I'm very frustrated.  I work with a girl who also owns a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass and she has never had this problem with hers.  Any suggestions?  Thank you very much!

Answer
Barb,
The problem your experiencing is definitely electrical. Though you may not have a full blown theft system, the car is equipped with a deterent device that disables the car to be started without a key should a thief break the ignition switch free. With that in mind, your problem lies somewhere inside the steering collum, the wiring harness that the ignition switch plugs into, an internal short, or a faulty ignition switch. Most dealerships know very little when it comes to complex electrical systems on late model cars. I would take the car to a reputable auto-electric shop that specializes in this area. Though the dealership can install a new ignition switch for you. Diagnosing electrical problems can be difficult and requires a person with attention to detail. Most dealerships are like a "cattle call" if they can't fix, it's always easier to say "it didn't happen while we had the car". Charge you a service fee, and leave having the same problem. Hope this helps! Ray