Is Your Grand Am or Alero Running Rough? The PCM Might Be the Culprit.
If you’re dealing with frustrating issues like stalling, poor fuel economy, a persistent check engine light, or erratic shifting in your 2000-2001 Pontiac Grand Am or Oldsmobile Alero, the root cause is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This module is the central computer of your vehicle, responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission operation. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of problems that are difficult to diagnose and can leave you stranded. Don’t let a faulty computer dictate your car’s performance. This is the reliable, cost-effective solution you’ve been searching for.
We had a 2001 Grand Am with the 2.4L engine come into the shop with a very tricky intermittent no-start condition. The owner had already replaced the battery, alternator, and starter to no avail. The car would crank but wouldn’t fire, and there were no consistent trouble codes. After hours of chasing wires and checking sensors, we hooked up a scope to the injector and coil control circuits directly at the PCM. We noticed that during the no-start events, the control signals were dropping out completely. We swapped in a known-good, programmed PCM, and the car fired up instantly and every time thereafter. It was a classic case of internal PCM failure that didn’t throw a specific code, highlighting how a faulty module can mimic many other problems.
Direct-Fit Solution for Your 2000-2001 Grand Am PCM
This isn’t just a generic part off a shelf. This is a genuine, used OEM Powertrain Control Module, part number 9356249, that has been carefully sourced and tested. The critical difference is our professional programming service. Before we ship this module to you, we flash it with the latest official GM software updates, precisely matched to your vehicle using the VIN you provide. This ensures that it communicates perfectly with your car’s existing systems, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It’s a plug-and-play solution designed to restore your vehicle’s original performance and reliability.
Symptoms of a Failing Powertrain Control Module
- ✔ Check Engine Light: The light is on, and you may have codes related to sensors, emissions, or communication errors.
- ✔ Engine Stalling or Misfiring: The engine may stall unexpectedly while driving or at idle, or you may experience random misfires.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks over but refuses to start, often due to a lack of fuel or spark command from the PCM.
- ✔ Poor Fuel Economy: A failing PCM can’t properly calculate the air-fuel mixture, leading to a noticeable drop in MPG.
- ✔ Harsh or Failed Shifting: The PCM also controls the transmission, and a fault can cause jerky shifts, failure to shift, or getting stuck in gear.
- ✔ Failed Emissions Test: Incorrect engine management will almost certainly lead to a failed smog or emissions inspection.
- ✔ Intermittent Electrical Issues: Seemingly unrelated electrical problems can sometimes be traced back to a failing main computer.
Guaranteed Compatibility and Simple Process
This module is a direct replacement for part number 9356249 and is also compatible with part numbers 16268310 and 9392873. It fits the following vehicles:
- 2000-2001 Pontiac Grand Am (with 2.4L engine)
- 2000-2001 Oldsmobile Alero (with 2.4L engine)
- 2000-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (matching ID 9356249)
- 2000-2001 Pontiac Sunfire
- 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (matching ID 9356249)
The process is straightforward: 1) Complete your purchase. 2) Reply to our confirmation email with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. 3) We program the module and ship it directly to you. Once installed, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, which can typically be done without special tools. Restore your vehicle’s brain and get back on the road with confidence. This programmed 2000-2001 Grand Am PCM is the definitive fix for your engine management problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this PCM programmed?
No. We handle the programming for you before shipment. We flash the module with the latest GM software using the VIN you provide, so it’s ready for installation when it arrives.
Is this a new part?
No, this is a high-quality, used OEM part sourced from a salvaged vehicle. Each unit is inspected and tested to ensure it is fully functional before being programmed and shipped.
What information do you need from me?
After you place your order, you must provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is essential for us to load the correct software for your specific car.
Will I need to do anything after installing it?
In many cases, you may need to perform a Security Relearn Procedure (also known as a Passlock or anti-theft relearn). This procedure syncs the new PCM to your car’s anti-theft system and can usually be done without any special tools. Instructions are widely available online for your specific model.
Where is the PCM located on my 2001 Grand Am?
On the 2000-2001 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero, the PCM is located inside the vehicle, behind the glove box area in the left-hand center of the dash.