Restore Peak Performance to Your 1997 GM Vehicle
Is your classic 1997 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, Bonneville, or Grand Prix suddenly giving you trouble? As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can cause some of the most frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose issues. You might be dealing with random stalling at traffic lights, a car that refuses to start, erratic transmission shifting, or a persistent Check Engine Light that just won’t go away. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re signs that your vehicle’s electronic brain is struggling.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We offer a high-quality replacement PCM, part number 16227797, that arrives at your door fully programmed to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures perfect communication between your engine, transmission, and other systems. We flash it with the latest GM software updates, often resolving underlying drivability issues that the original factory programming didn’t address. By ordering this 1997 Eighty Eight PCM, you bypass the expensive and time-consuming trip to a dealership for programming.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi that came into my shop with an intermittent no-start condition that was driving the owner crazy. It would be fine for a week, then refuse to start for an hour. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a general sense of unreliability. After checking all the usual suspects—fuel pressure, spark, crank sensor—we focused on the PCM. On a hunch, we used a heat gun on the module, and sure enough, once it got warm, the engine would crank but not fire. The internal processors were failing under thermal stress, a common end-of-life issue for these units. A pre-programmed replacement PCM like this one solved the problem permanently, and the customer was thrilled to have their reliable supercharged sedan back.
Common Signs of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0606 (PCM Processor Fault).
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or rough idling, especially when the engine is warm.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test due to communication errors.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On most of these GM vehicles, the PCM is located in the engine bay, typically inside the air filter box housing for protection.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. These connectors have locking tabs that need to be released gently. Never force them.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket or housing.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed 1997 Eighty Eight PCM in place of the old one.
- ✔ Reconnect and Secure: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses into the new module until they click into place. Ensure the connections are secure.
- ✔ Power Up: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start. In some cases, a security relearn procedure may be needed, which can typically be done without special tools.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, interchangeable with part numbers 16227797 and 19109047, is a direct-fit replacement for the following 1997 models. We will program the 1997 Eighty Eight PCM or other module specifically for your vehicle’s engine and options using your VIN.
- ✔ Bonneville: 1997 (3.8L V6, with supercharged option)
- ✔ Camaro: 1997 (3.8L V6)
- ✔ Eighty Eight: 1997 (3.8L V6, with supercharged option)
- ✔ Firebird: 1997 (3.8L V6)
- ✔ Grand Prix: 1997 (3.8L V6, with supercharged option)
- ✔ Lumina Car: 1997 (3.4L V6)
- ✔ Monte Carlo: 1997 (3.4L V6)
- ✔ Park Avenue: 1997 (3.8L V6)
- ✔ Regal: 1997 (3.8L V6, with supercharged option)
- ✔ Riviera: 1997 (3.8L V6)
What do I need to do after I buy?
After your purchase, simply reply to your order confirmation email with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your module until we receive this information for programming.
Is any additional programming required after installation?
No. This module arrives fully programmed to your VIN with the latest GM software. It is ready for installation right out of the box. A simple security relearn procedure (often called a ‘key-on, key-off’ cycle) may be necessary, which your vehicle’s manual can explain.
What is a VIN and where do I find it?
The VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number. It’s a unique 17-digit code found on your driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s door jamb sticker, and on your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
Will this fix my car’s specific problem?
This PCM is a direct solution for failures within the module itself. While it resolves the vast majority of electronic drivability issues, we always recommend a proper diagnosis to rule out other potential causes like faulty sensors or wiring.
My original part number is 19109047. Will this work?
Yes. Part numbers 16227797 and 19109047 are fully interchangeable. This module is a compatible replacement for both.