Is Your ’97 GM Truck or Van Suddenly Unreliable?
If you’re dealing with a no-start condition, erratic engine behavior, or a persistent check engine light on your 1997 Chevrolet 3500 or a similar GM vehicle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a very common culprit. After more than two decades on the road, the original electronics are simply reaching the end of their service life. I’ve seen these issues countless times in my shop, and they often leave owners frustrated and chasing the wrong parts.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnosis
“A customer’s 1997 Chevrolet 3500 came in last week with these exact symptoms: it would crank but not start intermittently, and when it did run, the transmission shifted harshly. The check engine light was on, but his local parts store couldn’t communicate with the computer. My first step is always to check the basics: power and ground to the PCM. They were solid. Hooking up my professional scan tool, I was able to pull a P0601 code โ Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error. This is a definitive sign of internal PCM failure. After swapping in a correctly programmed module, the truck fired up instantly and all the symptoms were gone. It’s a textbook failure for these workhorses.”
The Brain of Your Operation: Why a Healthy PCM is Critical
The PCM is the central computer for your truck’s most vital systems. It precisely controls the fuel injectors, ignition timing, and automatic transmission shift points. When it fails, it can manifest in numerous ways:
- โ No-start or hard-starting conditions
- โ Rough or unstable idle
- โ Poor fuel economy
- โ Harsh or erratic transmission shifting
- โ Inability to communicate with a scan tool
- โ False sensor codes that keep returning after replacement
- โ A lit Check Engine Light with codes pointing to internal module failure (like P0601, P0605)
The Solution: A Pre-Programmed, Direct-Fit Replacement
This isn’t just a part in a box; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality replacement PCM, compatible with part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840, and professionally program it to your vehicle’s specific 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a critical step that many sellers skip. Your VIN tells the PCM everything it needs to know: the engine size, transmission type, gear ratios, and emissions equipment. Without this precise calibration, your truck simply will not run correctly.
Our process ensures:
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We flash the module with the latest GM-approved software for your exact vehicle configuration.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Once programmed, this module is ready to install. No need for expensive trips to the dealer for programming.
- โ Restored Performance: Get back the smooth, reliable operation you depend on.
Installation is Straightforward
For most of these 1997 GM trucks and vans, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the battery or on the inner fender. While we always recommend professional installation, a confident DIYer can typically perform the swap.
- Disconnect the Battery: This is the most important first step. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate and Unplug: Find the PCM and carefully disconnect the wiring harness connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt the old module and install the new one in its place.
- Reconnect: Securely plug the wiring harnesses back into the new PCM and reconnect your battery terminal.
In some cases, a Crankshaft Position System Variation (CASE) relearn procedure may be needed after installation to clear a P1336 code. Most professional scan tools can perform this in a few minutes.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for the original Electronic Control Module in the following 1997 gasoline-powered vehicles. Please verify your part number before ordering.
- โ CHEVROLET 1500 / 2500 / 3500 PICKUP
- โ GMC 1500 / 2500 / 3500 PICKUP
- โ CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 / 2500
- โ GMC SUBURBAN 1500 / 2500
- โ CHEVROLET TAHOE
- โ GMC YUKON
- โ CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500 / 2500 / 3500 VAN
- โ GMC SAVANA 1500 / 2500 / 3500 VAN
- โ CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN
- โ GMC SAFARI VAN
- โ CHEVROLET S10 / BLAZER (4.3L V6)
- โ GMC SONOMA / JIMMY (4.3L V6)
- โ OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA (4.3L V6)
- โ ISUZU HOMBRE (4.3L V6)
After purchase, please send us your vehicle’s VIN. We cannot ship your part until we have this information to complete the required programming.