Is Your 1997 GMC Safari Running Rough? The PCM Might Be the Culprit.
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen my fair share of confusing electrical issues, especially on these rock-solid GM vans and trucks from the mid-90s. If your 1997 GMC Safari, or a similar GM vehicle from that year, is suddenly stalling, refusing to start, shifting erratically, or throwing a slew of unrelated check engine light codes, the problem often points directly to the heart of the electronics: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 1997 GMC Safari came in last week with these exact symptoms. It would start and run for about 10 minutes, then die suddenly as if the key were turned off. After cooling down, it would start again. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil with no luck. After verifying good fuel pressure and spark, I hooked up my professional scan tool. The tool couldn’t communicate with the PCM. That’s a classic red flag. We checked the power and ground circuits to the PCM connectorsโthey were all solid. This confirmed our suspicion: the PCM itself was failing internally, likely due to heat cycles causing microscopic cracks in the circuit board’s solder joints over 25+ years. Replacing it with a properly programmed unit solved the problem instantly.”
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM
The PCM is the central computer for your engine and transmission. When it starts to fail, it can cause a wide range of frustrating problems. Before you start throwing parts at your vehicle, see if any of these sound familiar:
- โ No-start or intermittent starting conditions.
- โ Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or at idle.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, often unrelated, trouble codes.
- โ Poor fuel economy and engine performance.
- โ Inability to communicate with the PCM using a scan tool.
- โ No signal to the fuel injectors or ignition system.
The Solution: A Reliable, Programmed PCM
This isn’t a part you can just grab from a salvage yard and plug in. The PCM for your 1997 GMC Safari is specific to your vehicle’s unique configuration, including its engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. That’s why our service is essential. We take the hassle and guesswork out of the repair.
This is a replacement PCM, compatible with part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840. Hereโs what makes our solution the right choice:
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We flash the module with the latest GM-certified software using your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures all parameters are set correctly for your specific vehicle before it even ships.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Because it arrives pre-programmed, installation is straightforward. No need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. Simply disconnect the battery, swap the modules, and reconnect.
- โ Restored Performance: A new, correctly programmed PCM restores communication between all your vehicle’s critical systems, leading to smoother operation, reliable starting, and proper engine function.
Guaranteed Fitment for a Wide Range of 1997 GM Models
While this is a perfect fit for the 1997 GMC Safari (located on the driver’s side, next to the battery), this versatile PCM was used across a huge lineup of GM’s most popular trucks and vans. Please verify your original part number matches 16229684 or 8162296840. This module fits the following 1997 vehicles:
- โ Astro & Safari (GMC) – (LH front by battery)
- โ Blazer S10/Jimmy S15 – (4.3L V6)
- โ Bravada – (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet & GMC 1500/2500/3500 Pickups – (Gasoline)
- โ Express & Savana 1500/2500/3500 Vans – (Gasoline)
- โ Isuzu Hombre – (4.3L V6)
- โ S10/S15/Sonoma – (4.3L V6)
- โ Suburban 1500/2500 – (Gasoline)
- โ Tahoe & Yukon – (Gasoline)
How to Complete Your Order
The process is simple. After you complete your purchase, please send us a message with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will use this information to load the correct software onto your module. We cannot ship your part until we receive your VIN. This step ensures you get a part that works correctly right out of the box, saving you time, money, and frustration.