Restore Your Vehicle’s Brainpower and Performance
Is your 1996 Buick Riviera, or another classic GM vehicle from that era, suffering from perplexing issues like a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, poor fuel economy, or even a no-start condition? These are classic signs that the heart of your vehicle’s electronic system, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), may be failing. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical component failure that affects driveability, emissions, and safety. Our replacement PCM, service part number 16211539, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s factory performance and reliability.
This module is the central computer for your engine and transmission, managing everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it fails, the entire system can become unpredictable. We take the guesswork out of the repair by providing a high-quality replacement module that is professionally programmed to your specific vehicle using your VIN. This ensures that all parameters are set correctly for your engine, transmission, and factory options, making the installation process as seamless as possible.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 1996 Buick LeSabre with the 3.8L V6 come into the shop with a complaint that was driving the owner crazy. The car would run perfectly for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a history of random communication errors. We checked fuel pressure, ignition components, and wiring harnesses, but everything tested fine. On a hunch, we connected a scope to the PCM’s main power and ground circuits and went for a long drive. Sure enough, after the engine was fully heat-soaked, we saw the 5-volt reference signal from the PCM begin to fluctuate wildly just before it stalled. The internal voltage regulator was failing under heat. We installed one of our VIN-programmed PCMs, performed the security relearn, and the car ran flawlessly. It’s a perfect example of how a failing PCM can create ghost-like problems that are impossible to trace to a specific sensor.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various trouble codes.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to start or intermittent starting problems.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
Why Choose Our Programmed 1996 Riviera PCM?
This isn’t just a generic, off-the-shelf part. It’s a comprehensive solution. The key is in the programming. Modern vehicles, even those from the mid-90s, rely on software tailored to their exact specifications. By providing us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you guarantee that the module you receive is loaded with the latest GM-authorized software updates for your specific make and model. This process corrects many factory bugs and improves overall performance and longevity. This module is a direct replacement for service numbers 88963800, 16211539, and 16231853, ensuring broad compatibility across a wide range of GM vehicles.
Installation and Compatibility
Installation is straightforward for a DIY mechanic with some experience or any professional technician. After physically swapping the module, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called VATS or Passlock relearn), which can typically be done without special tools and involves a sequence of key cycles. Instructions for this procedure are widely available online or in service manuals. This ensures the new PCM communicates with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
This electronic control module is compatible with a vast array of 1996 GM models, including but not limited to:
- Buick: Regal, Skylark, Century, LeSabre, Park Avenue, Riviera
- Chevrolet: Lumina (Car & Van), Monte Carlo, Beretta, Corsica
- Oldsmobile: Cutlass, Ciera, Eighty Eight, Ninety Eight, Achieva, Silhouette
- Pontiac: Grand Prix, Grand Am, Bonneville, Trans Sport
Please verify your part number and check the fitment list to ensure this is the correct part for your vehicle. Get your classic GM running like new again and order with confidence today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do you need to program the PCM?
We require your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to program the module. This ensures the PCM has the correct software and calibrations for your specific engine, transmission, and options. Please provide your VIN during checkout or send it to us after your purchase.
Is this part truly plug-and-play?
For most vehicles, it is very close. After installing the VIN-programmed PCM, you will likely need to perform a security relearn procedure. This syncs the new module with your car’s anti-theft system and can usually be done in your driveway in about 30 minutes without special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light and associated diagnostic trouble codes are being caused by a faulty PCM, then yes, this replacement part will solve the issue. However, it’s crucial to properly diagnose the problem first, as the light could be on for other reasons, such as a bad sensor.
What’s the difference between a PCM, ECM, and ECU?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is a generic term. ECM (Engine Control Module) typically controls only engine functions. A PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is an integrated unit that controls both the engine and the transmission, which is what this part is.
Does this PCM come with the latest GM software?
Yes. We flash each module with the newest updates and calibrations available from GM for your specific VIN. This can often resolve issues that were present even when the vehicle was new.