Is Your 1996 Riviera Running Rough, Stalling, or Refusing to Start?
If you’re dealing with frustrating engine problems like erratic idling, poor fuel mileage, a persistent Check Engine Light, or a no-start condition, the culprit is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your vehicle, a faulty PCM can create a cascade of issues that are impossible to ignore. I’ve seen it countless times in my 20+ years in the shop: owners chase down sensor after sensor, only to find the root cause was the main computer all along.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution. We are offering a genuine GM electronic control module, part number 16211539, which is the correct service replacement for several original part numbers, including 16231853 and 88963800. The best part? It arrives at your door fully programmed and ready for installation.
The Easiest Repair You’ll Do All Year
Forget expensive dealership visits and towing fees. We handle the complex part for you. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout, and our technicians will flash the module with the latest, most stable GM software specific to your 1996 Riviera. This ensures perfect communication between your engine, transmission, and all related systems.
- โ Eliminate Guesswork: Solves common issues like harsh shifting, false sensor codes, and intermittent stalling.
- โ No Extra Costs: Comes pre-programmed to your VIN. No need for a dealer’s expensive scan tool.
- โ Restore Performance: Get back the smooth performance and fuel efficiency you’ve been missing.
- โ Built to Last: A reliable, tested module that restores factory functionality.
Expert Pro Tip from the Shop Floor
Before installing your new 1996 Riviera PCM, take a moment to inspect the electrical connector harnesses. Over the decades, the plastic can become brittle and the pins can develop a thin layer of corrosion. I recommend using a small nylon brush and a quality electronics-safe contact cleaner to gently scrub both the male pins on the module and the female terminals in the harness plugs. A clean, solid connection is critical for the PCM to receive accurate data from your vehicle’s sensors.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
Installing your programmed PCM is a straightforward process you can do with basic hand tools. Follow these steps to get your car back on the road:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 15 minutes to allow all system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the PCM: On the 1996 Riviera, the PCM is typically located in the engine bay, inside the air filter box housing. You will need to remove the air filter cover to access it.
- Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully unlatch and remove the electrical connector harnesses from the old module. Inspect them for any damage or corrosion as mentioned in our pro tip.
- Swap the Modules: Unbolt and remove the old PCM. Mount the new, programmed module securely in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly re-seat the electrical connectors onto the new PCM until they click into place. Reassemble the air filter housing and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Your vehicle may require a security relearn procedure, which is simple and involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-12 minutes. Instructions will be included with your part.
Guaranteed Fitment for a Wide Range of 1996 GM Vehicles
While this is the correct 1996 Riviera PCM, this versatile module was also the heart of many other popular GM cars and vans from that year. Please verify your vehicle is on this list:
- Achieva: 1996 (3.1L)
- Beretta: 1996 (3.1L)
- Bonneville: 1996 (3.8L)
- Century: 1996 (3.1L)
- Ciera: 1996 (3.1L)
- Corsica: 1996 (3.1L)
- Cutlass: 1996 (3.1L, 3.4L)
- Eighty Eight: 1996 (3.8L)
- Grand Am: 1996 (3.1L)
- Grand Prix: 1996
- LeSabre: 1996 (3.8L)
- Lumina Car: 1996 (3.1L, 3.4L)
- Lumina Van: 1996 (3.4L)
- Monte Carlo: 1996
- Ninety Eight: 1996 (3.8L)
- Park Avenue: 1996 (3.8L)
- Regal: 1996
- Riviera: 1996 (3.8L)
- Silhouette: 1996 (3.4L)
- Skylark: 1996 (3.1L)
- Trans Sport: 1996 (3.4L)