Is Your 1998 Eighty Eight Acting Up?
If you’re dealing with frustrating issues like your 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight stalling for no reason, refusing to start intermittently, or throwing a check engine light that just won’t go away, the problem is often deeper than a simple sensor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the computer that serves as the brain for your engine and transmission, is a common point of failure on these classic GM vehicles.
A Real-World Scenario from the Shop
“A customer’s 1998 LeSabre (which uses this exact same PCM) came in last week with these exact symptoms. It would run fine for days, then suddenly die at a stoplight and refuse to restart for an hour. We scanned it and found a U-code, indicating a loss of communication between modules. After verifying the wiring and power feeds to the PCM were solid, we knew the culprit was internal. The original computer was failing under heat. After replacing it with one of our pre-programmed units, the car ran perfectly, and the customer was back on the road without a single issue.”
Why Your Original PCM Fails
After more than two decades of service, the electronic components inside the factory PCM begin to break down. I’ve personally diagnosed hundreds of these modules, and the failure is almost always the same. Constant heat cycles and engine vibrations cause microscopic cracks to form in the solder joints on the main circuit board. This leads to intermittent connections that cause all sorts of phantom problems, including:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination with various, often misleading, trouble codes.
- ✔ Complete no-start or crank-no-start conditions.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and engine performance.
- ✔ Stalling when coming to a stop or during idle.
- ✔ Loss of communication with diagnostic scan tools.
The Direct, Reliable Solution
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality, tested Powertrain Control Module and program it specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. This critical step ensures that the computer has the correct software and calibrations for your 1998 Eighty Eight’s specific engine, transmission, and options. We flash it with the latest available updates from General Motors, which can correct drivability issues that were present even when the car was new.
What This Means For You:
- ✔ No Dealer Programming Needed: This module arrives ready to install. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN during checkout, and we handle all the complex programming. This saves you from a costly trip to the dealership.
- ✔ Plug-and-Play Installation: Once you receive the part, you can install it yourself. In most cases, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a VATS relearn), which takes about 30 minutes and requires only your ignition key.
- ✔ Restored Performance: By replacing the failing computer and loading the newest software, you restore the precise fuel delivery, ignition timing, and transmission shift points your vehicle was designed to have.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: This PCM is a direct replacement for multiple service numbers, ensuring it’s the right fit for your car.
Part Number Compatibility
This module is the correct replacement for units with the following service numbers printed on the case. Please verify your original part number to ensure compatibility.
Compatible Service Numbers: 09356741, 16236757, 9356741, 9357034, 9357440, 9366314
Guaranteed Fitment For The Following Vehicles:
This Powertrain Control Module fits a wide range of 1998 and 1999 General Motors vehicles. Please check your specific model and engine combination below.
- ✔ Achieva: 1998 (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ Alero: 1999 (3.4L)
- ✔ Bonneville: 1998
- ✔ Camaro: 1998 (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Century: 1998 (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ Cutlass: 1998, 1999
- ✔ Eighty Eight: 1998
- ✔ Firebird: 1998 (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Grand Am: 1998 (3.1L), 1999 (3.4L)
- ✔ Grand Prix: 1998
- ✔ Intrigue: 1998
- ✔ LeSabre: 1998 (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Lumina Car: 1998
- ✔ Malibu: 1998 (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ Monte Carlo: 1998
- ✔ Park Avenue: 1998 (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Regal: 1998
- ✔ Riviera: 1998 (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Silhouette: 1998
- ✔ Skylark: 1998 (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ Trans Sport: 1998
- ✔ Venture: 1998 (6-207, 3.4L)
IMPORTANT: After purchasing, please send us a message with your vehicle’s VIN. We cannot ship your order until we have this information to program the module.