I have a 96 Grand Am with a 3.1L and auto tranny. It cranks first time every time then dies after 1 second religiously like a kill switch is being hit. If I'm quick enough, I can even rev it but it always dies 1 second after starting.Tried it 50 times for every backyard mechanic at work and always the same. I have a new fuel filter, PCM, idle air control valve and a small transmission leak. It doesn't seem like it is fuel related, just the computer saying "die now." I had this problem a week ago and I found the trans fluid 2 qts low, filled up, problem went away until now. I topped off the fluid but still no joy. Checked codes and found 440 and 442 which seem unrelated. Cleared them. They don't return. Car stil won't start. Added 5 more gallons of gas just for kicks. No joy. Might I have a stuck transmission fluid level switch or something? I've never heard of one but thats the only way I can explain it working last week when I added fluid.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!

Is the security light on the dash on? If so this thread may help you fix it http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=514170&highlight=security+system+reset

Not sure even if your car has the security system, other things you could try (use spare key to see if orig is worn), does your car have that resistor in the ignition key? If so try taking everything off the key chain & see if it starts then, I believe I read somewhere on here that is caused by a hall sensor going bad or something like that, its part of the ignition, do you have a remote start on the car, those can cause problems like this.

Have you checked the engine oil? I know in some small motors (like power washers & generators) they shut off if it doesn't have enough oil, never ran mine that low in the car, so I don't know if it has one or not. Anything is worth a try if you haven't got it fixed yet.

Thanks Jerry. Your advice was dead on. I followed the 30 minute procedure and it fired up. I didn't expect it to be the theft system because the light has been on since I bought the car. The light is off now and it runs fine. Your time and advice is much appreciated.