1994 pontiac firebird overheats / wont turn off with keys removed?

[matt w]

My 1994 pontiac firebird started running hot a few days ago. I found out how much work is involved just to replace the thermostat, so I decided to wait and just drive it less. (it has not overheated yet, just ran hot).. yesterday, when I took the keys out, the car continued to run. I disconnected the negative battery cable, and it still ran. I put the keys back in, turn the car to "on", and tried to shift (as the automatic transmission will not shift without a key in the ignition), finally, it shut off.

What's wrong with my car? I was beginning to think I've got another "christine", lol

 

[entidtil]

You have what is called "run on". It is caused by an accumulation of carbon in the cylinder head. The carbon glows red hot and keeps igniting the fuel even tho the ignition is off You need to get rid of the carbon (not an easy or cheap fix)

 

[marvin A]

its an aluminum engine?? Overheating is the #1 cause why the engines fail. Any car that is fuel injected and continues to run with the electric turned off is definitely ready to go.

 

[Zimgxp]

When the key is turned off, the injectors should not fire,removing the fuel from the equasion. Either you have leaky injectors or an electrical gremlin.