1998 Pontiac Grand Am ignition problem

1998 Pontiac Grand Am. The vehicle has ignition/power problems. The key enters the ignition OK, one clockwise click and the dash gets power (lights up on dash), one more clockwise click and the dash goes completely dead. The next clockwise position is the "Start" position, which also is dead. Once this happens, the key is stuck in the ignition, as it wont let you turn it back to the "OFF" position. It can be turned back to the ON or accessory position, and it will still be dead. If you leave it sit in that position for a couple of minutes, the dash will regain power and it will then let you turn the key to OFF and remove the key. However, if you turn it back to ON, it will loose power again. The battery is new, is fully charged, and the terminals are tight and clean. The starter is good as new, and I have jumped the starter so I know it is not faulty. The solenoid also can be jumped and it works fine. Any ideas why the dash would loose power in certain positions, but it will regain power if you let it sit for a few minutes? Possibly a key/ignition cylinder problem? Or the ignition switch in the column? I havent yet checked the Constant 12v+ ignition wire... if that has power, then it will most likely be the key ignition? If the constant 12+ wire doesnt have power, what would be the cause of that? All the fuses have checked out fine (under hood and in the side of dash). Any suggestions? ???

It sounds to me that the electrical part of the ignition switch is bad.... there are special tools required to replace it, but you can buy them anywhere

Update: The 2 primary constant ignition wires (red x2) do not have constant power. They show 12 volts sitting on thier own, but as soon as a load is put on them, they drop to near 0 volts. Is there a solenoid or a relay or a fusible link or a ECM that provides power to these 2 wires?

Not sure if this helps http://arrc.epnet.com/autoasp/framerq.aspKeep working! Millions on welfare depend on you.

      Keep working! Millions on welfare depend on you.

i would check your maxie fuses....sounds like 12 volts on one side not the otherDale / Cory