1997 Bravada & GM Truck PCM 16229684 Programmed to Your VIN

Is Your 1997 GM Truck or SUV Running Rough? It Might Be The Brains of The Operation.

If you’re dealing with a 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, Chevy S10, GMC Jimmy, or one of the dozens of other GM trucks and vans from that year, you know they’re built to last. But after 25+ years, even the toughest components can start to show their age. When you experience baffling issues like a no-start condition even with a good battery and starter, intermittent stalling, a check engine light that won’t go away, or a transmission that seems to have a mind of its own, the root cause is often the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

As a tech with two decades of diagnostic experience, I’ve seen these specific PCMs, part number 16229684, fail in every way imaginable. They live in a harsh environment—the engine bay—where they’re subjected to constant heat, cold, and vibration. Over time, internal solder joints can crack and electronic components can degrade, leading to a host of problems that can be a nightmare to diagnose if you don’t know what to look for.

Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM

A faulty PCM can make your vehicle feel possessed. You might be chasing what you think are fuel pump or ignition coil issues, but the real culprit is the computer giving them bad commands. Here’s what I frequently see in my shop:

• ✔ Inconsistent or no communication with a scan tool.
• ✔ A persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes related to sensors, ignition, or fuel system that don’t resolve after replacing parts.
• ✔ Engine cranks but will not start.
• ✔ Sudden stalling while driving or when coming to a stop.
• ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
• ✔ Noticeably poor fuel economy and engine performance.

Expert Pro Tip: Don’t Mistake a Bad PCM for a Fuel System Failure

Many of these 1997 vehicles, especially those with the 4.3L V6, use the Central Port Injection (CPI) or “spider” injection system. A common failure point is the fuel pressure regulator inside the intake plenum. However, I’ve had countless vehicles towed in where the owner has already replaced the entire spider assembly, only to find the real issue was the PCM not correctly firing the injector. A failing PCM driver can cause a weak or non-existent injector pulse, perfectly mimicking a fuel delivery problem. Always verify injector pulse with a noid light before tearing into the intake manifold!

The Direct, Reliable Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM

Instead of wrestling with a junkyard module that has an unknown history or paying exorbitant dealership fees for programming, we offer a straightforward fix. This is a replacement PCM, compatible with part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840, that arrives at your door ready to install. The key difference is our process:

1. You purchase the module.
2. You provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. We use your VIN to program the PCM with the latest, most stable software calibration available from General Motors. This ensures all factory performance parameters and fixes are loaded.
4. We ship the ready-to-install module directly to you.

This process eliminates the need for expensive tools like a GM Tech 2 or a trip to a mechanic for programming. Once installed, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, which takes about 30 minutes and requires no tools. This syncs the new PCM to your vehicle’s anti-theft system.

Guaranteed Compatibility for Your Vehicle

This Electronic Control Module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of 1997 GM models. Please verify your part number and match your vehicle from the list below. The module is typically located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the battery or fender.

• ✔ ASTRO 97 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery)
• ✔ BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 97 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L)
• ✔ BRAVADA 97 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L)
• ✔ CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ EXPRESS 1500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module
• ✔ EXPRESS 2500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
• ✔ EXPRESS 3500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
• ✔ GMC 1500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ GMC 2500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ GMC 3500 PICKUP 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ ISUZU HOMBRE 97 Electronic Control Module; 4.3L (6 cylinder)
• ✔ S10/S15/SONOMA 97 Electronic Control Module; 6-262 (4.3L)
• ✔ SAFARI (GMC) 97 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery)
• ✔ SAVANA 1500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module
• ✔ SAVANA 2500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
• ✔ SAVANA 3500 VAN 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
• ✔ SUBURBAN 1500 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ SUBURBAN 2500 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ TAHOE 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
• ✔ YUKON 97 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)