Thread: New prix comes with problems..key lock..Oil pan bolt...

My buddy bought a 01 grand prix 100,000 3100 motor

About a week ago the key would not turn in the cylinder..The tumbler is stuck It cannot be turned backwards or forward to start the car. Eventually it worked after messing with it. But it did it again today and She couldn't even get the car home.

I have read around about the key getting stuck in the ignition and the key not turning to the off position, but this one is the tumbler is stuck in the off position as if its the wrong key, or as if the steering wheel is locked which neither is the case. ......She only got one key with the car.



Secondly the oil pan screw can be loosened but will not come out of the pan completely.. I could possibly yank it out but wanted to make sure I had a solution to get a bolt back in, or would a whole new pan be the only remedy? oversize plug?

i might be wrong but they only came with 3.1 or 3.8

For the oil pan I had that problem with my 04gp I used to have and I pulled the plug out...well let's just say it didn't go back in and I had to replace the oil pan. On the 3.8 motors its a pita I dunno on the 3.4 how hard it is. I can copy and paste some info from the gm repair manuals for u if ya want

No 3.4 motors on 97+ grand prix's.

On the key issue, make sure it's not a worn out key. When I bought my 98 the key was worn down and I had to jiggle it back and forth to get the ignition to turn. I got another key made and problem solved.

you can try graphite lock spray, it makes locks slick as sh-it.

sprat the lock, and the key work it in and out a few times, then try to work it forward and back.

if this fails, the ignition tumbler is shot.