Is Your GM Vehicle Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, erratic shifting, a no-start condition, or poor fuel economy in your 1998 Buick LeSabre, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. As the central computer for your engine and transmission, its failure can cause a cascade of confusing problems. I’ve seen it countless times in my 20+ years in the shop: a perfectly good transmission gets condemned when the real issue is a faulty PCM not sending the right signals.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and the expensive dealership trip out of the equation. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, we program this module with the latest official GM software calibrations specific to your car. This ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and transmission function right out of the box.
Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 1998 Park Avenue (which uses this exact same module) came in last week with what they were sure was a failing transmission. It was shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and sometimes wouldn’t shift into overdrive. Their previous mechanic quoted them thousands for a transmission rebuild. I hooked up my scan tool and saw no transmission-specific fault codes, but the PCM was slow to respond. We swapped in one of our pre-programmed PCMs, and the car drove like new. The ‘bad transmission’ was just a faulty computer. This simple swap saved the customer a massive headache and a huge repair bill.”
Solving Common 1998 LeSabre PCM Failures
A failing PCM can manifest in many ways. This module is a direct solution for symptoms such as:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- ✔ Complete no-start or intermittent starting issues
- ✔ Poor fuel mileage
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Simple, Direct-Fit Installation
You don’t need to be a master technician to install this part. Because we handle all the programming, there’s no need for a dealer’s scan tool or any additional security relearn procedures. Just follow these simple steps:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the Old PCM: On most of these GM vehicles, the PCM is located in the air filter box inside the engine compartment.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Use a small screwdriver to gently release the locking tabs. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Seat the new, pre-programmed PCM into the bracket and securely fasten the electrical connectors. You’ll hear a ‘click’ when they are properly seated.
- Reconnect and Start: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 seconds before starting the engine to allow the system to initialize. Start your vehicle and enjoy a smooth-running engine.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for several original equipment service numbers. Please verify your original part number or contact us with your VIN to confirm fitment. This unit replaces the following numbers:
Service Numbers: 09356741, 16236757, 9356741, 9357034, 9357440, 9366314
This part is confirmed to fit a wide range of 1998 and 1999 General Motors vehicles, including many models of the Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal, Riviera, Century, Skylark; Chevrolet Camaro, Lumina, Malibu, Monte Carlo; Oldsmobile Cutlass, Alero, Achieva, Eighty Eight, Intrigue, Silhouette; and Pontiac Bonneville, Firebird, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Trans Sport, and Venture. Please use the compatibility chart to verify your specific model and engine.