Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Vehicle
Is your Chevrolet, Pontiac, or Isuzu suffering from a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, a no-start condition, or poor fuel economy? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module. You’ve found the definitive, hassle-free solution. This professionally programmed engine computer is the brain of your vehicle, and we provide a direct, reliable replacement to get you back on the road with confidence. This is the correct part to restore the dependable operation you rely on for your daily drive or work truck.
Common Symptoms & Your Solution
A failing ECM can be difficult to diagnose, often mimicking other sensor or component failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty module is a likely culprit:
- Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with communication error codes (e.g., P0601, P0605).
- Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- Harsh or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting.
- Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire.
- Apparent failure of multiple unrelated sensors at once.
Replacing your old module with this pre-programmed 1997-1999 Malibu PCM 16228016 is the most effective way to resolve these deep-seated electronic issues and restore your vehicle’s original factory performance and reliability.
Features & Tangible Benefits
- ✔ Plug & Play Installation: This module arrives at your door fully programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN. No expensive trips to the dealership for flashing are required. Simply install the unit and you’re ready to go.
- ✔ Latest GM Software Updates: We flash each computer with the newest, most stable software updates from General Motors. This ensures optimal fuel economy, emissions performance, and transmission shifting.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: This unit is a direct replacement for service numbers 16228016, 8162280160, and 16245305, ensuring a perfect fit and function for a wide range of GM vehicles including the S10, Cavalier, Grand Am, and more.
- ✔ Cost-Effective Repair: Avoid the high costs and programming fees of a new dealership part. This is a practical, reliable solution that respects your budget.
- ✔ This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty.
A Technician’s Note: Over two decades of working on these vehicles, I’ve seen the frustration that comes from using a generic, unprogrammed computer. It simply doesn’t work. Anti-theft systems engage, transmissions won’t shift correctly, and you end up with more error codes than you started with. That’s why programming this 1997-1999 Malibu PCM 16228016 to your exact VIN isn’t just a feature—it’s the only way to do the job right and ensure a lasting, trouble-free repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming or flashing myself?
Absolutely not. This PCM is a complete plug-and-play solution. We handle all the programming before it ships. All you need to do is provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and we take care of the rest.
How do I provide my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit VIN. You can typically find this on your vehicle’s dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on your insurance and registration documents.
Is this compatible with vehicles other than the Chevy Malibu?
Yes. This module fits a wide range of GM vehicles from the late 90s and early 2000s that use the 2.2L or 2.4L 4-cylinder engines, including the Chevy S10, Cavalier, Pontiac Grand Am, Pontiac Sunfire, Oldsmobile Achieva, Buick Skylark, and Isuzu Hombre. Please check the compatibility list on this page to confirm your specific model and year.
What if my original part number doesn’t match 16228016 exactly?
This module also directly replaces service numbers 8162280160 and 16245305. As long as your original module has one of these numbers, this part is a guaranteed compatible replacement.
Will this fix my specific error code?
This PCM is a common solution for internal module failure codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) and other communication-related faults. While it can resolve many issues, we always recommend a proper diagnosis by a qualified technician to ensure the PCM is indeed the source of the problem before ordering.
What does the one-year replacement warranty cover?
The one-year replacement warranty covers the part itself against defects in function or programming. If the unit fails within one year of the purchase date, we will provide a direct replacement.