Is Your 1997 GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If you’re behind the wheel of a classic 1997 workhorse like a Chevy Express 2500, GMC Savana, or a C/K Pickup, you know they’re built to last. But when strange, hard-to-diagnose problems start cropping up, it can be incredibly frustrating. Maybe it stalls at stoplights, refuses to start on random mornings, or the transmission seems to have a mind of its own. In my 20+ years turning wrenches and diagnosing these exact vehicles, these phantom issues often point to one central component: a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM is the electronic brain of your vehicle. It’s not just a simple box; it’s a complex computer constantly making calculations to manage everything from the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. On these mid-90s GM trucks, the PCM is typically located in the engine bay, often on the driver’s side near the battery or firewall, where it’s exposed to years of intense heat cycles and vibration. Over time, this environment takes its toll, causing internal solder joints to crack and electronic components to fail.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM
A bad PCM doesn’t always fail completely. More often, it fails intermittently, leading to symptoms that can mislead even seasoned mechanics into replacing perfectly good sensors. If your truck or van is experiencing any of the following, the PCM should be your primary suspect:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light that won’t clear or points to multiple, unrelated sensor faults.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or cutting out unexpectedly, especially after warming up.
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Failure to communicate with a diagnostic scan tool.
Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 1997 GMC Savana 2500 came into the shop last month with a complaint that stumped two other mechanics. It would randomly stall when coming to a stop, but only after being driven for 30+ minutes. There were no consistent trouble codes. We checked fuel pressure, ignition components, and sensors—all were fine. Knowing these models, I suspected the PCM was failing under heat soak. We temporarily cooled the original PCM with electronic component cooler spray, and the stalling stopped. Replacing the PCM with a properly programmed unit permanently fixed the issue. It’s a classic failure pattern I’ve seen hundreds of times on these GMT600 platform vehicles.”
The Guaranteed Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Don’t just swap in a used module from a junkyard. For these vehicles, the PCM must be correctly programmed to your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This process ensures the module has the correct software for your engine size (like the 4.3L V6 or a gasoline V8), transmission type, and any other specific options your vehicle was built with. An incorrectly programmed module simply will not work.
This is a replacement Electronic Control Module that solves these issues. We take all the guesswork and hassle out of the process. When you purchase from us, here’s what you get:
- ✔ VIN-Specific Programming: You provide us with your VIN, and we flash the module with the latest official GM software calibration for your exact vehicle. This is not a generic program; it’s tailored to your truck or van.
- ✔ Ready for Installation: Because it’s pre-programmed, the module arrives ready to be installed. In most cases, this is a direct plug-and-play repair that doesn’t require a trip to a dealership for expensive programming.
- ✔ Direct Part Number Match: This module is a direct replacement for service part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your 1997 GM Vehicle
This Electronic Control Module is compatible with a wide range of 1997 General Motors gasoline-engine models. Please verify your vehicle is on this list:
- ✔ Chevrolet: EXPRESS 1500/2500/3500 VAN, C/K 1500/2500/3500 PICKUP, S10, BLAZER S10, SUBURBAN 1500/2500, TAHOE
- ✔ GMC: SAVANA 1500/2500/3500 VAN, C/K 1500/2500/3500 PICKUP, S15/SONOMA, JIMMY S15, SAFARI, SUBURBAN 2500, YUKON
- ✔ Oldsmobile: BRAVADA (with 4.3L V6)
- ✔ Isuzu: HOMBRE (with 4.3L V6)
Restore your vehicle’s reliability and performance. By providing your VIN at checkout, you ensure you receive a component that is perfectly matched and ready to restore your truck or van to proper working order. Get your reliable ride back on the road.