Is Your GM Vehicle Acting Up? Let’s Get It Fixed.
As a mechanic with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen it all when it comes to engine control issues. If your late-90s Sunfire, Cavalier, or S10 is suffering from a persistent Check Engine Light, erratic idling, stalling, or a frustrating no-start condition, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central computer for your engine, and when it fails, it can create a cascade of problems that are tough to diagnose.
Just last month, a 1998 Chevy S10 with the 2.2L engine was towed to my shop. The owner had replaced plugs, wires, and even the fuel pump, but it still wouldn’t run for more than a few minutes before dying. After confirming fuel pressure and spark were good, my scanner pointed to a communication loss with the PCM. A faulty module was intermittently cutting power to the injectors. Replacing the PCM with a properly programmed unit had it running smoothly in under an hour. This is the exact solution we offer you, without the diagnostic headache or dealership prices.
The Simple, Reliable Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take a quality-tested PCM and flash it with the latest official GM software updates, tailored specifically to your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. This critical step ensures all systems, from the transmission to the emissions equipment, function exactly as the factory intended.
Solving Common Failures of Your 1997-1999 Sunfire PCM
A failing PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various trouble codes
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and engine performance
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Expert Pro Tip: Before you install your new PCM, take a moment to closely inspect the electrical connector plugs on your vehicle’s wiring harness. Over 20+ years, moisture and dirt can cause corrosion on the pins, and pins can sometimes get bent or pushed back. Use a small pick and some electrical contact cleaner to ensure every pin is clean, straight, and ready to make a solid connection. A poor connection can mimic the symptoms of a bad module and is a common point of failure I see in the shop.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
Because we program the module before shipping, you can avoid the costly trip to a dealership for programming. Installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic tools. While the location varies by model, it’s typically found in the engine bay or under the dashboard.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: On most Sunfire, Cavalier, and S10 models, it’s in the engine compartment, often on the passenger side near the firewall or fender. On some sedans like the Malibu or Grand Am, it may be under the dash.
- Disconnect the Harness: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical connectors from the old PCM. Inspect them as mentioned in our pro tip.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new PCM into place and securely reconnect the wiring harness connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock in.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for units with the following service numbers. Please verify your original part number before ordering.
Service Numbers: 16228016, 8162280160, 16245305
This part is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- 1997-1999 Pontiac Sunfire (Electronic Control Module)
- 1997-1999 Chevrolet Cavalier (Electronic Control Module)
- 1997-2000 Chevrolet S10 / GMC Sonoma (2.2L Engine)
- 1996-2000 Isuzu Hombre (2.2L Engine)
- 1997-1999 Buick Skylark (2.4L Engine)
- 1997-1999 Oldsmobile Achieva (2.4L Engine)
- 1997-1999 Pontiac Grand Am (2.4L Engine)
- 1997-1999 Chevrolet Malibu (2.4L Engine)
Ordering is simple: After purchase, just send us a message with your vehicle’s VIN, and we’ll handle the programming. We’ll get your vehicle’s brain restored to perfect health and get you back on the road with confidence.