Is Your 1996 GM Vehicle Running Rough?
If your 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Chevy Lumina, or another compatible GM vehicle is suffering from erratic behavior, poor performance, or a persistent Check Engine Light, the culprit is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer of your vehicle, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shifting and emissions control. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated issues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects your vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy, and safety.
Don’t let a faulty computer keep you off the road. We offer a direct-fit, reliable solution with this Powertrain Control Module, compatible with service numbers 88963800, 16211539, and 16231853. The critical advantage of our service is that we program the module specifically for your vehicle using your VIN before it ships. This means it arrives at your door with the latest GM software updates, ready for a straightforward installation without requiring an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 1996 Buick LeSabre come into the shop with a complaint of harsh, unpredictable transmission shifting and stalling at idle. The owner had already replaced the throttle position sensor and the mass airflow sensor, spending hundreds on parts that didn’t fix the problem. After hooking up our scanner, we noticed erratic data readings from multiple sensors that didn’t make sense. Instead of chasing ghosts and replacing more parts, we focused on the source: the PCM. The internal circuitry was failing, sending corrupt signals. We installed a VIN-programmed module just like this one, and the car immediately ran like new. It’s a classic case of symptoms pointing in multiple directions, but the root cause being the vehicle’s central computer.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Poor engine performance, including misfires, hesitation, or stalling.
- ✔ A significant drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
- ✔ Intermittent issues that seem to appear and disappear without reason.
The Definitive Solution: A Programmed 1996 Grand Prix PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution designed to restore your vehicle’s factory performance and reliability. By providing us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout, you ensure that the 1996 Grand Prix PCM you receive is a perfect match for your vehicle’s specific configuration. Our technicians flash the module with the most current software available from General Motors, addressing potential bugs and improving operational efficiency over the original programming. This precision programming is key to ensuring all systems—engine, transmission, and emissions—function in perfect harmony as the manufacturer intended.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of 1996 General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and engine options below:
BERETTA 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
BONNEVILLE 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
CENTURY 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
CIERA 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
CORSICA 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
CUTLASS 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L) or 6-207 (3.4L)
EIGHTY EIGHT 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
GRAND AM 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
GRAND PRIX 96 Electronic Control Module
LESABRE 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
LUMINA CAR 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L) or 6-207 (3.4L)
LUMINA VAN 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-207, 3.4L)
MONTE CARLO 96 Electronic Control Module
NINETY EIGHT 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
PARK AVENUE 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
REGAL 96 Electronic Control Module
RIVIERA 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
SILHOUETTE 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-207, 3.4L)
SKYLARK 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
TRANS SPORT 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-207, 3.4L)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this PCM programmed?
No, we handle all the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN when you place your order, and the module will arrive ready to install.
Where do I find my VIN?
Your 17-digit VIN can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a plate on the driver’s side dashboard visible through the windshield.
Is this a difficult part to install?
For most 1996 GM models, the PCM is located in the engine bay and is accessible with basic hand tools. Installation typically involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors, unbolting the old module, and then reversing the process. It’s a job most DIY mechanics can handle.
Will this fix my transmission shifting problems?
The PCM directly controls the transmission’s shift points and line pressure. If your shifting issues are electronic in nature and caused by a faulty module, this part is the correct solution.
What happens if I don’t provide my VIN?
We cannot ship the module without a VIN. The programming is essential for the part to function correctly in your specific vehicle. We will contact you after your purchase to retrieve the VIN if it was not provided.