Is Your GM Vehicle Running Rough, Stalling, or Showing a Check Engine Light?
If you’re dealing with frustrating engine problems on your late 90s GM car or truck, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. Over my 20+ years in the garage, I’ve seen these exact symptoms hundreds of times on vehicles like the S10, Cavalier, and Malibu. Drivers come in frustrated after replacing sensors and pumps, only to find the issue persists. The PCM is the brain of your engine, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and hard-to-diagnose issues.
This isn’t just another part; it’s the core solution to get your vehicle running reliably again. We offer a professionally prepared PCM, service number 16228016, that is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM models. The most critical service we provide is programming it specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ever leaves our facility. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and all related systems, just as the factory intended.
Why Choose Our Programmed S10 PCM?
Getting your vehicle back on the road shouldn’t be a complicated ordeal. A generic, un-programmed module from a parts store or salvage yard will not work correctly—it will require an expensive trip to a dealership for flashing. Our process eliminates that step entirely. By providing your VIN at checkout, you receive a unit that is truly plug-and-play. This **Programmed S10 PCM** arrives loaded with the latest GM software updates, which can often resolve underlying drivability issues the original software had.
A Mechanic’s Real-World Experience
“A customer’s ’99 Chevy S10 with the 2.2L engine came into my shop last month. It had a persistent random stall and a check engine light that previous shops couldn’t solve. They had already replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs. My diagnostic scanner couldn’t communicate with the original PCM—a dead giveaway. Once we installed a correctly VIN-programmed module like this one, the truck fired right up and ran smoother than it had in years. This is a fix I’ve performed countless times, saving customers from chasing phantom issues.”
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- âś” Check Engine Light (CEL) is on with various codes
- âś” Engine stalls unexpectedly or is hard to start
- âś” Rough or erratic idling
- âś” Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
- âś” Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
- âś” No communication with your OBD2 scan tool
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
You can install this module yourself with basic hand tools. Our VIN programming makes this a straightforward swap. Follow these general steps to get your vehicle running right:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the PCM: On most S10/Sonoma/Hombre models, it’s on the right-hand (passenger) side of the engine compartment. On cars like the Cavalier or Grand Am, it may be under the dash. Consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the electrical wiring harnesses from the old PCM. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or bent pins.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed module in place and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This electronic control module is a direct replacement for units with service numbers 16228016, 8162280160, or 16245305. It is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of GM vehicles from 1997-2000, including the Chevy S10, GMC Sonoma, Isuzu Hombre, Pontiac Grand Am, Chevy Malibu, and more equipped with the 2.2L or 2.4L engines. Ordering a quality, correctly prepared **Programmed S10 PCM** is the most reliable way to solve your engine management problems for good.