Restore Peak Performance to Your 1996 GM Vehicle
Is your 1996 Buick Skylark, Chevy Cavalier, or Pontiac Sunfire running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or refusing to start? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your vehicle’s engine and transmission. A faulty PCM can lead to a cascade of frustrating issues, from poor fuel economy and failed emissions tests to leaving you stranded on the side of the road. This replacement PCM, part number 16231851, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s reliability and drivability.
I remember a 1996 Chevy S10 with the 2.2L engine that came in on a tow truck. The owner had replaced the fuel pump, spark plugs, and ignition coil, but it still had an intermittent no-start condition. When it did run, it would idle poorly and sometimes stall at red lights. We scanned it and got a few random communication codes, which is often a red flag. After checking all the power and ground circuits to the module, we determined the original PCM was failing internally. We installed one of our pre-programmed units, and the truck fired right up and ran perfectly. The owner was thrilled to have his reliable work truck back without the guesswork and expense of a dealership visit.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing Signs of a Failing PCM?
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, a faulty PCM is a likely culprit. This replacement module is designed to correct these common problems:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL) is on with various trouble codes
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or hesitating during acceleration
- ✔ Intermittent or complete no-start condition
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions inspections
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
The Plug-and-Play Solution for Your 1996 Skylark PCM
Don’t let a complex computer replacement intimidate you. We take the hassle and high cost out of the equation. Unlike a generic module from a parts store or salvage yard, this PCM is specifically prepared for your vehicle. When you place your order, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Our technicians then use this VIN to flash the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from General Motors. This critical programming service ensures that the PCM has the correct calibration for your vehicle’s specific engine, transmission, and options. The result is a true plug-and-play component. Simply install the module, and you’re ready to go—no expensive dealership programming or special tools required.
Guaranteed Fitment and Compatibility
This Electronic Control Module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16231851 and 16215830. It is guaranteed to fit and function correctly in the following vehicles:
- 1996 Buick Skylark (2.4L Engine)
- 1996 Buick Century (2.2L Engine)
- 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva (2.4L Engine)
- 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera (2.2L Engine)
- 1996 Pontiac Grand Am (2.4L Engine)
- 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
- 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 1996 Chevrolet Beretta (2.2L Engine)
- 1996 Chevrolet Corsica (2.2L Engine)
- 1996 Chevrolet S10 / GMC Sonoma (2.2L Engine)
By ordering this pre-programmed 1996 Skylark PCM, you are not just buying a part; you are getting a complete, vehicle-specific solution engineered to restore the precise operational parameters your car had when it left the factory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCM and what does it do?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the main computer that controls your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It takes in data from dozens of sensors to manage fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions systems, and automatic transmission shift points to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Do I need to get this module programmed?
No. We handle all the programming for you before we ship the part. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and the module will arrive ready to install. This saves you a trip to the dealership and associated programming fees.
How do I find my vehicle’s VIN?
Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Is this a difficult part to install?
For most of these 1996 GM models, the PCM is located in the engine bay and is relatively accessible. Installation typically involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors, and unbolting the old module. While it can be a DIY job for someone with basic mechanical skills, we always recommend consulting a service manual or a professional technician if you are unsure.
What happens if I don’t replace a failing PCM?
Ignoring a failing PCM can lead to more severe problems. Continued poor engine performance can damage other components like the catalytic converter. In the worst-case scenario, the vehicle may fail to start entirely, leaving you stranded.