1997 olds achieva...replaced the ignition switch now it starts but immediately shuts down. I can repeat this by turning the key off and re-cranking. just won't keep running??

Replace the ignition switch. It has lost power to the run position. The reason for no lights and dieing when you let go of the key.

Start at the ignition switch for losing power in run position. then look at run relay.

Replace the ignition switch,just make sure you use the same key pellet

Check the ignition switch connector. Check for 12v on the start circuit with the ignition in the start position. Check neutral safety switch connector. Check for 12v in and out of the N/S switch when the gear selector is in neutral or park and the ignition is in the start position. If you have 12v there check at the small terminal on the starter solenoid. If you find 12v there and on the big terminal there would appear to be a starter problem.

SINCE CAR WONT CRANK. NOW IS THE TIME TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH KEY LOCK CYLINDER ITS BROKEN THAT WHY THE CAR KEYS WOULDNT TURN OFF CAR.DISCONNECTING BATTERY CABLES WITH CAR RUNNIMG WILL.SHORT OUT ALTERNATOR AND PCM.IF IN CASE YOU HAD TO REMOVE BATTERY CABLE REMOVE THE GROUND NEGATIVE CABLE FIRST.MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OFF LIKE RADIO. AC SYSTEM OFF.THIS WILL PREVENT LARGE ELECTRICAL ARC FROM BATTERY THIS IS ONE TIME PROCEDURE IN CASE ENGINE WONT SHUT OFF ITS A GAMBLE BECAUSE IT WILL TAKE OUT ALTERNATOR AND PCM.REPLACE THE SWITCH AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER DONT KEEP STARTING CAR BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLE YOU WILL DAMAGE IGNITION ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

the ignition swith reads the key chip when key is turned, this is a common problem,the ignition switch will need to be replaced, after replacing the swith reprograming will be needed, to program you will need a battery charger to keep battery from going dead, after installing new switch,turn charger on, turn key to crank then release key leaving ignition on, you will see the dash lights, leave key on for about 15-20 min, until you see theft light go out, if light doesnt go out then repeat process,crank for 2 sec, then leave key on 15-20 mins until security/theft light goes out, hope this helps.

I had a problem with a 97 Achieva recently.Someone else replaced the PCM/ignition switch and passlock sensor.I replaced the ICP.Engine would turn over but wouldn't start and the security lamp was dim and flashing and then it would go solid.I tried the wait 10 minutes thing but,the light would never go off! I put the original passlock sensor back onto the lock cylinder. But this is what fixed the problem.I cleaned the contacts on the black wires and green on the ignition switch with tv tuner cleaner! After I cleaned those contacts the security light was flashing brightly.So I turned the key to run and left it there.After a few minutes it stayed on solid.I waited about 10 minutes but the light never went out.So I turned off the switch and then tried starting.It started right up and the security lamp flashed and then went off.Has started every time since.Note:I also scraped the pins that I cleaned with the cleaner with a knife.

bad connection battery post most common.

ign. switch is out of adjustment under the dash on top of steering colum adjust up or down

I would recommend having the ignition module tested. I have had one of these vehicles with the same problem and that is what fixed it.