Is Your Cavalier, Sunfire, or S10 Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a persistent check engine light, erratic engine behavior, poor fuel mileage, or a no-start condition, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. Over my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen hundreds of these GM vehicles from the late 90s come in with confusing symptoms that all trace back to a failing PCM. Heat, vibration, and age take their toll on these critical electronic components, leading to frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems.
Don’t keep throwing parts at the problem. This is a direct-fit, reliable replacement Electronic Control Module for your vehicle, solving the root cause of your issues. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair by pre-programming this unit specifically for your car using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all part; it’s configured with the latest GM software updates to ensure your engine and transmission operate exactly as the factory intended.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Vehicle won’t start, or starts and immediately dies
- ✔ Drastic decrease in fuel economy
- ✔ Failure to pass emissions testing
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Why Choose Our Programmed 1997-1999 Cavalier PCM?
Getting your car back to factory-spec performance is our priority. When you order from us, you’re getting a part that’s ready for installation right out of the box. The dealership might charge you for the module, a separate programming fee, and labor. We combine it all into one simple, cost-effective solution. Just provide your VIN at checkout, and we handle the complex programming for you.
Expert Pro Tip from a 20-Year Technician: Before you plug in your new PCM, take a moment to inspect the vehicle’s harness connectors. Over the years, the pins can get corroded or slightly bent. Use a quality electronics contact cleaner and a small brush to gently clean both the male and female pins. A poor connection is one of the most common reasons for a new module to not work correctly, and this simple five-minute check can save you hours of diagnostic headaches.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
You can perform this repair yourself with basic hand tools. For the Cavalier, Sunfire, and S10/Sonoma models, the PCM is typically located in the right-hand (passenger side) front of the engine compartment, making it easily accessible.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 15 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the Module: Find the existing PCM. It’s a metal box with several large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unlatch and remove all electrical connectors. Note their orientation. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New PCM: Bolt the new module into place. Firmly and carefully reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click and lock securely.
- Final Step: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may need to complete a drive cycle for all systems to re-learn, but the core programming is already done.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This 1997-1999 Cavalier PCM is a direct replacement for service numbers 16228016, 8162280160, and 16245305. It is guaranteed to fit and function in the following vehicles, provided the options match:
- Achieva: 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- Cavalier: 1997-1999
- Grand Am: 1997-1998 (2.4L), 1999 (2.4L, ID 16228016)
- Isuzu Hombre: 1996, 1997-1998 (2.2L), 1999-2000 (2.2L)
- Malibu: 1997-1998 (2.4L), 1999 (2.4L)
- S10/S15/Sonoma: 1997-1998 (2.2L), 1999 (2.2L), 2000 (2.2L, VIN 4)
- Skylark: 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- Sunfire: 1997-1999
Restore the reliability and performance of your vehicle with a correctly programmed PCM. Place your order, provide your VIN, and let us get you back on the road.