Is Your GM Vehicle Running Rough? It Could Be The PCM.
If you’re dealing with frustrating, hard-to-diagnose issues on your late-90s GM car or truck—like a Pontiac Sunfire, Chevy S10, or Cavalier—the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a frequent culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these modules cause everything from a simple Check Engine Light to a car that won’t start at all. Symptoms often include erratic engine behavior, poor fuel economy, harsh transmission shifting, or intermittent stalling. Don’t keep throwing parts at the problem; get the brain of your vehicle’s engine management system working right again.
The Direct Solution: Programmed and Ready to Install
This PCM is the definitive fix for a failed original unit. We take all the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our experts will program the module with the latest official GM software updates specific to your car. It arrives at your door ready for a straightforward installation, saving you a costly trip to the dealership and the expense of their programming fees.
- ✔ VIN-Programmed: Arrives flashed with your vehicle’s specific software.
- ✔ Latest GM Updates: Loaded with the newest calibrations for optimal performance and efficiency.
- ✔ No Dealer Required: A true plug-and-play solution you can install in your own garage.
- ✔ Solves Common Issues: Corrects problems like no-start, poor idle, fault codes, and erratic shifting.
- ✔ Direct Replacement: Matches service numbers 16228016, 8162280160, and 16245305.
From the Shop Floor: “A customer’s 1998 Chevy S10 with the 2.2L engine came in last week on a tow truck. It would crank but never start. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and the ignition control module with no luck. A quick check with my multimeter showed the 5-volt reference signal to the throttle position sensor was dead—a classic sign of internal PCM failure on these models. We installed one of these pre-programmed PCMs, and the truck fired up on the first try. It’s a repair I’ve done hundreds of times, and having a correctly programmed module is the key to a fast, successful fix.”
Easy Installation Guide for Your 1997-1999 Sunfire PCM
Replacing the PCM on these vehicles is typically a simple process. On models like the Sunfire, Cavalier, and S10, the module is usually located in the engine bay on the passenger’s side.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the PCM: Find the module, which is a silver metal box with several large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove all wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. Inspect the pins for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install New Module: Bolt the new, programmed PCM into place.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses into the new PCM until they click and lock. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Your vehicle is now ready to start. In some cases, a security relearn procedure may be necessary, which can typically be done without special tools.
Expert Pro Tip: Before installing your new PCM, take 10 minutes to locate and clean the main engine-to-chassis ground straps. On these GM vehicles, a corroded or loose ground is a leading cause of electrical feedback that can damage sensitive electronics, including the PCM. A wire brush and some contact cleaner can prevent a repeat failure down the road.
Guaranteed Fitment For Your Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for many GM vehicles from 1996 to 2000. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below and that your original module carries one of the compatible service numbers. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
- ACHIEVA 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- CAVALIER 1997-1999
- GRAND AM 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- GRAND AM 1999 (2.4L, ID 16228016)
- ISUZU HOMBRE 1996
- ISUZU HOMBRE 1997-2000 (2.2L)
- MALIBU 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- MALIBU 1999 (2.4L)
- S10/S15/SONOMA 1997-1999 (2.2L)
- S10/S15/SONOMA 2000 (2.2L, VIN 4)
- SKYLARK 1997-1998 (2.4L)
- SUNFIRE 1997-1999