Is Your GM Vehicle Running Rough? The PCM Might Be the Culprit.
If you’re dealing with frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, stalling, or a no-start condition on your 1998 Buick Regal or a similar GM vehicle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a very common point of failure. Over my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen countless drivers replace sensors, spark plugs, and coils, only to find the root problem was the computer itself. The PCM is the brain of your engine and transmission; when it fails, it can send you chasing phantom problems all over the car.
A Real-World Scenario: The Grand Prix That Wouldn’t Cooperate
Just last month, a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix was towed to my bay. The owner had replaced the crank sensor twice, but the car would still randomly stall and refuse to restart for hours. Instead of just throwing another sensor at it, I connected my scope to the signal wire right at the PCM connector. The crank sensor was sending a perfect signal, but the PCM wasn’t processing it. The driver circuit inside the module had failed. We installed one of these pre-programmed PCMs, and the car fired up on the first try and has been running perfectly ever since. This is a classic failure mode for these modules.
The Direct Solution: A Programmed 1998 Regal PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality-tested PCM, service number 9357034, and flash it with the latest official GM software updates specifically for your vehicle. All we need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout. This process ensures the module communicates flawlessly with your car’s specific engine, transmission, and options, often correcting drivability quirks that may have existed for years.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Engine stalling for no apparent reason
- ✔ Intermittent no-start or hard-starting conditions
- ✔ Poor fuel economy
- ✔ Failed emissions test
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
Save yourself the time, hassle, and high cost of a dealership visit. Because we program the module before shipping, the installation is straightforward for a DIYer or your local mechanic.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these vehicles, the PCM is located inside the engine bay air filter housing or mounted nearby.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove the electrical harness connectors from the old module.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt and remove the old PCM and install the new one in its place.
- Reconnect and Secure: Plug the harness connectors firmly into the new module until they click. Reconnect your battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (If Necessary): In some cases, a simple 10-15 minute key-on security relearn procedure is needed. We include instructions for this easy process.
Expert Pro Tip: Inspect Your Connectors
Before plugging in your new PCM, take a bright flashlight and carefully inspect the vehicle’s harness connectors. Look for any green or white corrosion on the pins or any pins that look pushed back into the connector. A corroded or damaged pin can cause the exact same symptoms as a bad module and can damage your new part. Use a quality electronics cleaner and a small pick to clean and straighten pins as needed.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for service numbers 09356741, 16236757, 9356741, 9357034, 9357440, and 9366314. It is guaranteed to fit and function in the following vehicles:
- 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Alero (3.4L)
- 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva (3.1L)
- 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
- 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
- 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette
- 1998-1999 Pontiac Grand Am (3.1L, 3.4L)
- 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 1998 Pontiac Firebird (3.8L)
- 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
- 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
- 1998 Buick LeSabre (3.8L)
- 1998 Buick Park Avenue (3.8L)
- 1998 Buick Riviera (3.8L)
- 1998 Buick Century (3.1L)
- 1998 Buick Skylark (3.1L)
- 1998 Buick Regal
- 1998 Chevrolet Venture (3.4L)
- 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (3.1L)
- 1998 Chevrolet Lumina Car
- 1998 Chevrolet Camaro (3.8L)
- 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo