Is your Pontiac Bonneville, Buick LeSabre, or other GM 3.8L vehicle suffering from mysterious and frustrating issues? An illuminated Check Engine Light, poor fuel economy, stalling, or erratic shifting can often be traced back to a single, critical component: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your engine and transmission, a failing PCM can disrupt your vehicle’s entire operation. This replacement PCM, part number 12210234 (interchangeable with 12209624), is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s reliability and performance.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair process. Unlike sourcing a module from a junkyard or a dealership, this unit comes fully programmed to your specific vehicle using your VIN. We flash it with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM, ensuring optimal function and communication with all other modules in your car. This means no expensive trips to the dealer for programming—it’s ready to install right out of the box.
From the Diagnostic Bay
A customer brought in a 2002 Buick LeSabre with a persistent P0300 (Random/Multiple Misfire Detected) code. They had already replaced the spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils, but the rough idle and hesitation under load wouldn’t go away. After hours of chasing what seemed to be an ignition or fuel problem, we hooked up our advanced scanner and monitored the PCM’s injector pulse width data. We noticed erratic signals to multiple injectors that didn’t correspond with engine load. The culprit wasn’t a bad sensor or ignition part; it was a failing driver inside the PCM itself. We installed a pre-programmed module just like this one, performed the security relearn, and the 3.8L engine ran as smoothly as the day it left the factory. This experience highlights how a faulty PCM can mimic other component failures, making a quality replacement the true fix.
Why Choose Our Pre-Programmed Bonneville Powertrain Control Module?
When the brain of your vehicle’s engine is on the fritz, you need a solution that is both reliable and straightforward. This module is meticulously prepared to provide a seamless repair experience. By programming the unit to your VIN, we ensure that it has the correct calibration for your vehicle’s specific engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. This is crucial for proper engine performance, fuel efficiency, and transmission shifting. Simply provide your VIN after purchase, and our technicians will handle the complex programming, saving you time and money.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various trouble codes.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or hesitating during acceleration.
- ✔ Rough or inconsistent idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
This Bonneville Powertrain Control Module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of popular GM vehicles equipped with the legendary 3.8L V6 engine. Its compatibility extends to models such as the Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Impala & Monte Carlo, Buick Regal & Park Avenue, and more. Please verify the part number 12209624 or 12210234 and consult the fitment list to confirm it’s the correct part for your car.
Installation is generally straightforward for those with moderate mechanical skill. The PCM is typically located in the engine compartment. After disconnecting the battery, you can unbolt the old module, disconnect the wiring harnesses, and install the new one. In many cases, a simple security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn) is required, which can be done without special tools and takes about 30 minutes. Instructions for this procedure are widely available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this module programmed by a dealer?
No. We handle all the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during the checkout process, and the module will arrive with the latest GM software, ready for installation.
Is this part difficult to install?
For a DIY mechanic with basic tools, the installation is manageable. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors, and unbolting the old module. The most critical step afterward is performing the vehicle’s security relearn procedure, which pairs the new PCM to your car’s anti-theft system.
Will this fix my specific problem, like a P0420 code?
A faulty PCM can cause a wide variety of diagnostic trouble codes. While this module can resolve issues that originate from the computer itself (like faulty drivers or internal logic errors), it’s essential to have your vehicle properly diagnosed. A P0420 code, for example, is most often caused by a failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensor, not the PCM. This part fixes the vehicle when the PCM is the confirmed point of failure.
Where do I find my vehicle’s VIN?
Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on a metal tag on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
What is the difference between part numbers 12210234 and 12209624?
These are interchangeable service numbers used by GM for the same physical hardware. Our module is compatible with vehicles that originally came with either part number, and we will program it specifically for your VIN to ensure perfect functionality.