Is Your Trusty ’97 GM Truck or Van Showing Its Age?
If you’re driving a classic 1997 GM vehicle like a GMC 1500, a Chevy C/K pickup, or a workhorse Express van, you know they’re built to last. But even the toughest machines have a brain, and in your truck, that’s the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). After more than two decades of heat, vibration, and countless electrical signals, this critical component can start to fail, leading to a host of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM
As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen these specific PCMs cause issues that can mimic a bad fuel pump, a failed sensor, or a transmission problem. Before you start throwing expensive parts at your truck, see if any of these sound familiar:
- ✔ No-start or intermittent starting conditions where the engine just cranks.
- ✔ Rough, erratic idle that you can’t seem to correct.
- ✔ Stalling for no apparent reason, either at a stop or while driving.
- ✔ A persistent Check Engine Light with codes that keep coming back.
- ✔ Noticeable loss of power and poor fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect shifting from the automatic transmission.
- ✔ Failure of specific injector or ignition coil circuits, leading to a dead misfire.
A Technician’s Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 1997 Chevy K1500 came into my shop last month on a tow truck. It would crank but not start. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and the ignition coil, with no luck. My scan tool couldn’t communicate with the PCM—a major red flag. I went straight to the module, located on the driver’s side of the engine bay. After checking for power and ground at the connector, which were both good, it was clear the PCM itself was dead. The internal circuits had simply given up after years of service. Installing a properly programmed replacement module had it firing up on the first try, saving the customer from any more guesswork and unnecessary repairs.”
The Solution: A Direct-Fit, VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a restoration of your vehicle’s core logic. We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation. This PCM, compatible with service number 16229684, is the definitive solution for the wide range of 1997 GM trucks and vans listed below.
Here’s How Our Process Works For You:
When you purchase this module, the process is simple. You provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We then use that information to access the official GM database and flash the module with the correct, most up-to-date software calibration for your exact vehicle configuration. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and emissions equipment.
- ✔ No Programming Needed: Arrives ready to install. No need for an expensive trip to the dealer or a specialized shop.
- ✔ Latest GM Software: We load the newest available software from General Motors, which can resolve factory bugs and improve performance and efficiency.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: By using your VIN, we ensure the module is a perfect match for your truck or van.
Installation & Important Notes
Installation is straightforward for any DIYer with basic tools. The PCM is typically located in the left (driver’s side) front of the engine compartment, often near the battery or air filter housing. Simply disconnect the battery, carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Reconnect everything, and you’re nearly done.
Please Note: On many of these 1997 vehicles, after installing the new PCM, you may need to perform a Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn procedure, also known as a CASE Relearn. This requires a professional-grade scan tool and calibrates the new PCM to the engine’s crankshaft sensor for accurate misfire detection. Most local repair shops can perform this service quickly for a minimal charge.
Guaranteed Fitment For Your Vehicle
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct replacement for the following 1997 vehicles. It is compatible with part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840.
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet 1500/2500/3500 Pickup (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 GMC 1500/2500/3500 Pickup (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1500/2500 (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 GMC Suburban 1500/2500 (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 GMC Yukon (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500/2500/3500 Van (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 GMC Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van (Gasoline)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet Astro / GMC Safari (4.3L)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet S10 / GMC Sonoma (4.3L)
- ✔ 1997 Chevrolet Blazer / GMC Jimmy (4.3L)
- ✔ 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada (4.3L)
- ✔ 1997 Isuzu Hombre (4.3L)