Q: How to properly remove and reinstall an oil pan in 2.2L four cylinder engine on 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix?
A: Warm up the engine, then drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Detach the cable from the negative battery terminal, ensuring that the lockout feature of the Theft lock audio system is turned off before disconnecting the battery. Remove the air cleaner and air-duct assembly, followed by the drivebelt. Disconnect the upper engine mounting strut from the engine bracket and install an engine support fixture or use other suitable means to ensure the engine is properly supported. Loosen the right front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel and tire, then take off the right-side engine splash shield. Remove the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter, and for air-conditioned models, remove the air conditioner brace at the starter and compressor bracket. Remove the starter and bracket, then the lower bellhousing cover, and again for air-conditioned models, remove the air conditioner brace. Remove the four right support bolts and lower the support slightly to gain clearance for oil pan removal. For automatic transaxle equipped models, remove the oil filter extension. Remove the bolts and nuts securing the oil pan to the engine block, tap on the pan with a soft-face hammer to break the gasket seal, and detach the oil pan from the engine. Use a gasket scraper to remove all traces of old gasket or sealant from the engine block and oil pan, ensuring the threaded bolt holes in the block are clean. Wash the oil pan with solvent and dry it thoroughly. Check the gasket flanges for distortion, particularly around the bolt holes, and if necessary, flatten and restore the gasket surfaces using a hammer on a block of wood. Clean the mating surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone, then place a 2 mm diameter bead of RTV sealant on the oil pan-to-block sealing flanges and the oil pan-to-front cover surface. Apply a thin coat of RTV sealant to the ends of the rear oil pan seal down to the ears and press the oil pan seal into position. Carefully place the oil pan against the block, install the bolts/nuts, and tighten them in 1/4-turn increments to the specified torque, starting with the bolts closest to the center of the pan and working out in a spiral pattern, avoiding overtightening to prevent leakage. Reinstall components removed for access to the oil pan, add oil, install a new filter, run the engine, and check for oil leaks.