Is Your 1997 GMC Safari Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, erratic engine behavior, harsh shifting, or even a no-start condition in your 1997 GMC Safari or a similar GM truck/van, the problem often points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your engine and transmission, when the PCM starts to go, it can create a cascade of baffling symptoms that are tough to pin down.
A Mechanic’s Real-World Story
“A customer’s 1997 GMC Safari came into my shop last month with a problem that had stumped two other mechanics. It would randomly stall at stoplights and sometimes wouldn’t start for an hour. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a ‘no communication’ error when we tried to connect our high-end scan tool. After 20 years of working on these GM vans, my gut told me it was the PCM. The constant heat and vibration from its location right next to the battery had finally taken its toll on the internal circuit board. We swapped in a pre-programmed module just like this one, and the van has been running perfectly ever since. Itโs a classic failure on these vehicles.”
The Brain of Your Vehicle
The PCM, also called the Electronic Control Module (ECM), is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. Over decades of service, the electronic components inside can degrade from heat cycles and vibration, leading to a host of problems:
- โ Unexplained Check Engine Light illumination
- โ Failure to pass emissions testing
- โ Poor fuel economy
- โ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- โ Hard or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- โ Complete no-start or no-spark conditions
- โ Loss of communication with diagnostic scan tools
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your reliable GM vehicle off the road. This PCM is a direct replacement for part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840. The biggest benefit we offer is our professional programming service. Before we ship the module, we flash it with the latest official GM software updates, tailored specifically to your vehicle using the VIN you provide at checkout. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programmingโit arrives ready for installation.
Simple Installation Process
Installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic tools. The PCM on the GMC Safari and Astro is typically located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the battery. After disconnecting the battery, you’ll unbolt the module, carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses, and connect them to your new, pre-programmed unit. Once installed and the battery is reconnected, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, which takes about 30 minutes and requires only your key.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is the correct fit for a wide range of popular 1997 General Motors trucks and vans. Please verify your vehicle is on this list:
- โ GMC Safari / Chevrolet Astro (with 4.3L V6)
- โ GMC / Chevrolet Pickups (1500, 2500, 3500) (Gasoline)
- โ GMC Yukon / Chevrolet Tahoe (Gasoline)
- โ GMC Suburban / Chevrolet Suburban (1500, 2500) (Gasoline)
- โ GMC Savana / Chevrolet Express Vans (1500, 2500, 3500) (Gasoline)
- โ GMC Sonoma / Chevrolet S10 (with 4.3L V6)
- โ Oldsmobile Bravada (with 4.3L V6)
- โ Isuzu Hombre (with 4.3L V6)
Order today and restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability with a professionally programmed PCM, shipped directly to your door.