Is Your ’97 GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a 1997 Chevrolet 2500, or a similar GM truck or van from that era, you know they’re built to work. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, it can bring even the toughest truck to its knees. Over my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times: the engine cranks but won’t start, it stalls randomly at a stoplight, the transmission shifts erratically, or you’re plagued by a persistent Check Engine Light with codes you can’t seem to solve.
A Story From the Shop: “A customer’s 1997 Chevrolet 2500 came in on a tow truck last month with these exact symptoms. It was his work truck, and the intermittent no-start was costing him money. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil with no luck. After connecting my scan tool, I noticed the data stream from the PCM was dropping out intermittently. We traced the wiring and confirmed it was good, which pointed straight to an internal failure in the original computer. Heat and decades of vibration had taken their toll on the internal circuits. Replacing the PCM was the only correct fix.”
The Brain of Your Engine: Why the PCM is Critical
The PCM, part number 8162296840, is the central computer for your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It processes information from dozens of sensors to make critical, real-time decisions about fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions controls, and automatic transmission shift points. When it fails, the entire powertrain is compromised.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM:
- โ Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- โ Unexplained stalling, either while driving or at idle.
- โ Poor fuel economy and noticeable loss of power.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Persistent Check Engine Light, even after replacing sensors.
- โ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
The Solution: A Pre-Programmed, Ready-to-Install Module
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality replacement PCM and professionally program it to your truck’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ever leaves our facility. This is a critical step that many sellers skip, leaving you with a part that won’t work.
What Our VIN Programming Means For You:
- โ No Dealer Visit Required: Your new PCM arrives ready to install. Simply plug it in, and you’re good to go. This saves you the time, expense, and hassle of having your truck towed to a dealership for programming.
- โ Latest GM Software: We flash the module with the newest available software updates from General Motors. These updates often contain fixes for factory drivability issues, improving your truck’s performance and reliability beyond its original state.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: By using your VIN, we ensure the module is perfectly matched to your engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. It’s the correct part, every time.
Installation and Compatibility
On most 1997 GM full-size trucks and vans, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the battery or on the fender well. Installation is straightforward for a DIY mechanic: disconnect the negative battery terminal, carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Reconnect the harnesses and battery, and you’re ready to start the engine.
This module, which interchanges with part number 16229684, is a direct fit for a wide range of 1997 gasoline-powered GM vehicles, including:
- โ Chevrolet & GMC C/K Pickups (1500, 2500, 3500)
- โ Chevrolet & GMC Suburban, Tahoe, & Yukon
- โ Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana Vans (1500, 2500, 3500)
- โ Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, Isuzu Hombre (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Oldsmobile Bravada (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Astro & GMC Safari Vans
After purchase, please provide your 17-digit VIN to ensure we can program the module for your exact vehicle. This is a mandatory step for shipment.