Is Your ’97 GM Truck or Van Giving You Headaches?
If you’re driving a 1997 Chevrolet 3500, or one of its many GM siblings from that era, you know it’s a workhorse. But when the brain of the operationโthe Powertrain Control Module (PCM)โstarts to fail, it can cause some of the most frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems I’ve seen in my 20+ years in the shop. You might be experiencing symptoms that seem completely unrelated, sending you on a wild goose chase replacing perfectly good parts.
A failing PCM in these specific 1997 models often manifests as:
- โ A crank-but-no-start condition where the engine turns over but never catches.
- โ Intermittent stalling for no apparent reason, either at idle or while driving.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ A persistent Check Engine Light with codes that point to multiple different sensors.
- โ Poor fuel economy and a general lack of power.
The PCM is the central computer managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points. After decades of heat cycles, vibrations, and electrical stress, internal components like capacitors and driver circuits can degrade and fail, leading to the unpredictable issues you’re seeing.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnostic
“A customer’s 1997 CHEVROLET 3500 came into my shop last week, and the owner was at his wit’s end. The truck would crank but wouldn’t start, and when it occasionally did, it ran rough and stalled. He had already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil, but nothing worked. After confirming fuel pressure and spark were good, we hooked up a noid light to the injector harness and got nothingโno pulse. That’s a classic sign. The PCM wasn’t commanding the injectors to fire. We swapped in a known-good PCM, and it fired right up. Itโs a textbook example of how a failing computer can mimic other component failures, costing you time and money on parts you don’t need.”
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a fully prepared solution. We take the guesswork and extra expense out of the repair. Before this module ships, our technicians will flash it with the latest official GM software calibration specifically for your vehicle. All we need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
This critical programming step ensures that the PCM communicates perfectly with your truck’s engine, transmission, and all related systems, just as it did from the factory. You get a module that is ready for installation right out of the box, with no need for a trip to the dealership or a specialized shop for expensive programming.
Key Benefits of This Module
- โ Programmed for You: Arrives flashed with your vehicle’s specific VIN and the newest GM software updates.
- โ True Plug-and-Play: No additional programming or setup is required. Simply install the module and turn the key.
- โ Solves Common Issues: Directly addresses root causes of no-start, poor performance, and erratic behavior.
- โ Broad Compatibility: A direct replacement for original part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840.
Installation Location
On most of the compatible trucks and full-size vans (like the Chevrolet 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, and Express), you’ll find the PCM located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side (LH side), often near the battery or on the inner fender. On S-series trucks/SUVs and Astro/Safari vans, it’s typically located on the driver’s side by the battery as well. Always disconnect the battery before beginning any work.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your 1997 Vehicle
This Electronic Control Module is a confirmed fit for the following 1997 models with gasoline engines:
- โ Chevrolet 1500, 2500, & 3500 Pickups
- โ Chevrolet Express 1500, 2500, & 3500 Vans
- โ Chevrolet Suburban 1500 & 2500
- โ Chevrolet Tahoe
- โ Chevrolet S10 / GMC Sonoma (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Blazer / GMC Jimmy (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Astro / GMC Safari Vans
- โ GMC 1500, 2500, & 3500 Pickups
- โ GMC Savana 1500, 2500, & 3500 Vans
- โ GMC Yukon
- โ Oldsmobile Bravada (4.3L V6)
- โ Isuzu Hombre (4.3L V6)
To ensure a perfect match, please provide your VIN during checkout. This allows us to perform the essential programming before shipment, getting you back on the road without delay.