99 grand prix many problems need help

[didedoos]

Ok I am on my second Grand Prix I love them, my 99 had 122,000 miles and now all of a sudden it is going down hill. My hope is for any advice I can get on all problems, my brother is a mechanic but has no time for his big sis, so if I can get some tips, hubby and I can try.
Prob # 1-- my heater fan started making a very dull squealing noise, and as time went on it was squeaing so bad I would hide if I pulled up next to somone, then one morning after heating the car to leave for work my car was full of smoke and it was coming from under the passenger side dash, ever since I have no heat or air or front defrost--where do I start??

Prob #2-- my Key is stuck in the ignition and won't come out when you shut the car off, it you let it sit like a halk hour to a hour and go back out it comes right out?? Makes me crazy

Prob # 3-- 2 weeks ago my car was shifting very hard and then service engine soon light came on, had it checked and they said my torque converter clutch switch was stuck on, so my brother had me put some seafoam trans tune in the tranny but it seems to still shift not as hard, how do I fix this?

Any help would be great

[gprixgtp]

Problem one is the blower motor has locked up. It will need to be replaced. If you need I can look up the procedure and post it here. I would recomend replacing it either with an aftermarket Delco unit or a replacement from the dealer. Also take a look at the squirrel cage on it if any of it is broken off now is the time to replace it as well. Those also are available either in Delco or four seasons.
Problem two is either the solonoid on the shifter or the key lock on the column. It will need to be diagnosed more than likely to be sure as to which one it is.
Problem three is probably the switch need to be replaced.

[didedoos]

If you could post the procedure that would be great, I also forgot to post this problem, the driver inst cluster (above radio) is like it has a short or something, the screen is black and if you tap your palm on the dash above in different place you can hit a certain spot to make it light up, the left side is also more dim than the right

[richtazz]

While replacing the blower motor, if you have manual control A/C, change the blower speed resistor too. It is mounted in the heater box behind the motor and is a fairly common problem. If the motor got so bad it smoked and locked up, most likely the resistor took a hit too due to the increased resistance caused by the motor going out. The AC-delco numbers for teh blower motor are:
manual a/c; 15-8949
climate control a/c: 15-8950
The resistor part number is 15-80571
If you have climate control, the bolwer speed is controlled by a module that is expensive, so only change it if you have to. I'm at home and don't remember the module part number by heart, I work at an AC-Delco distributor and know the other part numbers by heart. While you're changing it, buy a cabin air filter and install it. The cabin air filters keep dust and debris out of the heater assembly, and prolong the life of the blower motor. An added benifit is they keep allergens out of the car too. The parts store wont have a listing for a Grand Prix, so tell them you have a 99 Regal and they should be able to find it. There is a slot for it (the GP and Regal are mechanically the same car), GM just never bother to install them from the facotry in a Grand Prix. I guess they figured we GP owners drive too fast for dust to catch us.

[didedoos]

Ok now remember I am not car savvy, when replacing the blower motor (I have climate control) is there any electrical wiring or does it basiclly bolt out and then in? I also wondered if anyone knew how hard it was to replace the driver info center??