Past frustrated, recently purchased a 1998 convertible in what seemed reasonable shape, drove the car home fine next day took off for work drove about 15 miles and car dies no radio, no dash but headlights and flashers ok. Tried to re-start and starter acts like you are flicking the key back and forth, wait about three minutes and car cranked up fine and completed trip to work. On returning home same issue but more frequant. Got home and suspected VATS issue, took ignition apart and found garbage VATS btypass done with just twisting wireds togater with the resisitors?! Purchased new ignition swith, new keys with correct value, new elcectric switch in back and put back togather replacing missing scews and other missing parts along the way. Took for short drive and same issue in less distance again! Found a thread on this foum on grounds and checked and cleaned all, they all looked good as well. Got car home and can sit and let iddle for seems as long as I want but as soon as I put it into drive it may make end of driveway or 3 feet and same problem. Took a look at BCM and wished I hadn't! Found two spliced wires that not sure why as no taps or added wires and a plug with 3 wires and end just cut off! BCM looks as if somebody has opened it as well. Read to send both ECM and BCM off to be checked but figured I would implore the knwledge of this group in hopes somebody may know what I'm looking at.
Thanks!

 

Can't help with those wires just cut, but those twisted wires with resistors was somebody bypassing the Ignition switch contacts that press against the keys resistor pellet. There is another bypass that defeats the steering wheel locking mechanism it is called a column lock bypass. People install this because their cars experience the 2 mph fuel shutoff, relative easy to install, but the steering wheel will not lock afterwards.

 

The 3 cut wires (Yellow, Orange and Black) are factory aux power connections. These are for aftermarket accessories.
I would also check where the PCM is located in the passenger fender area. Look for damage in that area.

Gary