Is Your 1996 GM Vehicle Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating no-start condition, intermittent stalling, a persistent check engine light, or poor engine performance in your 1996 Cavalier, Sunfire, S10, or another compatible GM model, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless of these exact issues. The original PCMs from this era are prone to failure from years of heat cycles and component aging, leading to unpredictable and maddening problems.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnosis
“A customer’s 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, which uses the same platform as the Cavalier, was towed to my shop last month. It would crank but wouldn’t start, and the fuel pump wasn’t priming consistently. We checked all the basicsโfuses, relays, and fuel pressureโwhich seemed okay but erratic. On a hunch, I tapped the PCM casing while an assistant cranked the engine, and it sputtered to life for a second. This pointed directly to an internal failure in the module. We installed a correctly programmed PCM, and the car has been running perfectly ever since. It’s a classic failure mode for these units.”
The Direct Solution: A Pre-Programmed 1996 Cavalier PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and extra expense out of the repair. When you order, simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Our technicians will then program this module with the latest, most stable GM-certified software specific to your car. This ensures that your engine, transmission, and all related systems communicate flawlessly, restoring the performance and reliability you depend on.
Key Symptoms of a Failing PCM This Part Corrects:
- โ Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated with communication-related codes.
- โ Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- โ Intermittent stalling, especially when warm.
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Failure to pass emissions testing due to module errors.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
One of the biggest benefits of our service is that this module arrives ready to install. You don’t need specialized scan tools or a costly trip to the dealership for programming. The installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic tools.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these 1996 GM models, the PCM is located in the engine bay, often housed in a plastic bracket near the air filter box or on the firewall.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Inspect the pins for any corrosion or damage.
- Swap the Modules: Unbolt the old PCM from its bracket and secure the new one in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses into your new PCM. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Your vehicle may need to perform an idle relearn procedure, which typically involves starting the car and letting it idle for a few minutes. Your repair is complete!
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds!
Before installing your new PCM, take 10 minutes to inspect and clean the main engine-to-chassis and battery-to-chassis ground straps. On these older vehicles, corrosion on these grounds can create electrical noise and voltage irregularities that can damage sensitive electronics, including the new PCM. A wire brush and a little dielectric grease can prevent a lot of future headaches.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16215830 and 16231851. It is guaranteed to fit and function correctly in the following 1996 vehicles:
- Buick Century (with 2.2L 4-Cylinder)
- Buick Skylark (with 2.4L 4-Cylinder)
- Chevrolet Beretta (with 2.2L 4-Cylinder)
- Chevrolet Cavalier
- Chevrolet Corsica (with 2.2L 4-Cylinder)
- Chevrolet S10 / GMC Sonoma (with 2.2L 4-Cylinder)
- Oldsmobile Achieva (with 2.4L 4-Cylinder)
- Oldsmobile Ciera (with 2.2L 4-Cylinder)
- Pontiac Grand Am (with 2.4L 4-Cylinder)
- Pontiac Sunfire
Don’t let a faulty computer keep you off the road. Order today, provide your VIN, and get the right part, programmed correctly, delivered to your door.