Is Your 1997 GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless 1997-era GM trucks and vans come into the shop with baffling issues. The owner will describe symptoms that seem all over the place: the transmission shifts hard one minute and fine the next, the engine idles erratically, or it just refuses to start on a cold morning. In nine out of ten cases, after checking the basics, my diagnostic scanner points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM
If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, a faulty engine computer is a likely culprit. These older PCMs are prone to failure from years of heat, vibration, and electrical stress.
- โ No-start or intermittent starting conditions.
- โ A persistent Check Engine Light, even after clearing codes.
- โ Harsh or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Poor fuel economy that has gotten progressively worse.
- โ Stalling, stumbling, or hesitation during acceleration.
- โ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
A Mechanic’s Real-World Story
“A customer’s 1997 GMC 3500 came in last week with these exact symptoms. It had a random misfire code that wouldn’t go away, and the transmission would slam into gear. He’d already replaced plugs, wires, and the transmission fluid. We checked all the groundsโa common weak point on these GMT400 platformsโand they were solid. After hooking up our scope, we could see the injector driver signal from the PCM was erratic. We installed one of these pre-programmed modules, and the truck ran like it just rolled off the assembly line. It’s a textbook failure for these units.”
The Hassle-Free Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
In the past, replacing a PCM was a major ordeal. You’d install the new part, then have to get the vehicle towed to a dealership for expensive programming with their proprietary tools. This module eliminates that entire step. We take care of the critical programming work before we ship the part to you.
Hereโs how it works: After you complete your purchase, you simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will then flash this PCM with the latest, most stable software release from General Motors, ensuring it is a perfect match for your vehicle’s specific configuration. When it arrives at your door, it’s ready for a straightforward, plug-and-play installation.
Installation is Simpler Than You Think
You don’t have to be a master mechanic to replace this part. The PCM on most of these 1997 GM vehicles is located in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side near the battery or on the inner fender.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate & Remove: Find the old PCM. It’s a metal box with several large wiring harnesses connected to it. Unbolt it from its mounting bracket.
- Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully unplug the wiring connectors. They have locking tabs that may need to be gently pried up. Be patient to avoid damaging the pins or clips.
- Install the New Module: Connect the harnesses to your new, pre-programmed PCM, mount it securely, and reconnect your battery. That’s it!
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for original equipment part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840. It is guaranteed to fit and function correctly in the following vehicles:
Vehicle Fitment Information
- โ 1997 ASTRO (LH front by battery)
- โ 1997 BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ 1997 BRAVADA (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ 1997 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 EXPRESS 1500 VAN
- โ 1997 EXPRESS 2500 VAN (gasoline)
- โ 1997 EXPRESS 3500 VAN (gasoline)
- โ 1997 GMC 1500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 GMC 2500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 GMC 3500 PICKUP (gasoline)
- โ 1997 ISUZU HOMBRE (4.3L, 6 cylinder)
- โ 1997 S10/S15/SONOMA (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ 1997 SAFARI (GMC) (LH front by battery)
- โ 1997 SAVANA 1500 VAN
- โ 1997 SAVANA 2500 VAN (gasoline)
- โ 1997 SAVANA 3500 VAN (gasoline)
- โ 1997 SUBURBAN 1500 (gasoline)
- โ 1997 SUBURBAN 2500 (gasoline)
- โ 1997 TAHOE (gasoline)
- โ 1997 YUKON (gasoline)