Is Your 1996 Bonneville Running Rough, Stalling, or Refusing to Start?
If you’re dealing with frustrating engine problems in your ’96 Bonneville, you know how quickly a reliable car can become a major headache. Maybe it’s an intermittent stall at a stoplight, a persistent Check Engine Light that won’t go away, or a complete no-start that has left you stranded. After 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen these exact symptoms hundreds of times on these mid-90s GM vehicles. Often, the root cause isn’t a faulty sensor or bad wiring, but the vehicle’s brain itself: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution for your vehicle. We are offering a tested Powertrain Control Module, part number 16211539, which is a direct replacement for service numbers 88963800, 16211539, and 16231853. The critical difference is that we flash it with the latest official GM software calibrated specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures perfect communication and restores the performance and reliability you’ve been missing.
Why Choose Our Programmed 1996 Bonneville PCM?
A faulty engine computer can manifest in ways that mimic other failures, leading to expensive and incorrect repairs. I had a customer’s 1996 LeSabre (which uses the same 3.8L powertrain) come in last year with a box of new sensors he had replaced himselfโplugs, wires, MAP sensor, the works. The car still stalled randomly. After connecting my scan tool, I found communication loss codes pointing directly to the PCM. A new, properly programmed module fixed it instantly. Our pre-programmed 1996 Bonneville PCM saves you that diagnostic guesswork and parts-swapping nightmare.
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We load the latest GM updates for your exact vehicle. This is not a generic, one-size-fits-all part.
- โ Solves Common Failures: Effectively corrects issues like harsh shifting, poor fuel economy, engine stalling, no-start conditions, and false sensor codes.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Because it’s programmed before it ships, you can install it yourself without needing a trip to the dealer for expensive programming.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: A direct replacement for multiple service numbers, ensuring a perfect fit and function.
Expert Pro Tip from a 20-Year Tech: Before installing your new PCM, take five minutes to inspect and clean the main engine-to-chassis ground straps. On these GM W-body and H-body cars, a corroded or loose ground can cause voltage fluctuations that damage the PCM or mimic its failure. A quick cleaning with a wire brush can prevent a future headache and ensure your new module has a long life.
Simple, No-Hassle Installation
You don’t need to be a master mechanic to get your Bonneville back on the road. The process is straightforward and requires only basic hand tools.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: On most 1996 GM models like the Bonneville, the PCM is located under the hood, often on the driver’s side near the air filter box or on the firewall.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new PCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal. Your car is now ready to start with its newly programmed brain.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your 1996 GM Vehicle
This module is the correct electronic control unit for a wide range of 1996 General Motors cars. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. Upon purchase, we will require your VIN to ensure 100% correct programming.
- For 3.8L V6 (6-231) Engine: Bonneville, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Riviera, Eighty Eight, Ninety Eight
- For 3.4L V6 (6-207) Engine: Lumina (Car & Van), Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Trans Sport, Silhouette
- For 3.1L V6 (6-191) Engine: Lumina Car, Grand Prix, Regal, Century, Skylark, Achieva, Grand Am, Beretta, Corsica, Ciera, Cutlass