Is Your 1997 GM Truck or Van Running Rough or Not Starting?
If you’re dealing with a 1997 GMC Savana 1500, or another GM truck from that era, you know how dependable they can be. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, it can create some of the most frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose problems. You might be experiencing a no-start condition, intermittent stalling, a persistent check engine light, or erratic transmission shifting that makes the vehicle feel unreliable.
The PCM is the central computer, the brain, that manages everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions equipment. When it fails, the symptoms can often mimic other issues, leading you down a rabbit hole of replacing perfectly good parts.
Expert Pro Tip: Diagnosing a 1997 GM ‘Black Box’ PCM
In my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen countless 1997 GM trucks and vans with these ‘black box’ PCMs. A common scenario is a crank-no-start condition. Many technicians immediately suspect the fuel pump or the ignition control module (ICM). A key diagnostic step is to check for a ‘5-volt reference’ signal at sensors like the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or MAP sensor with the key on. If that 5v reference is missing or erratic, but your main power and grounds to the PCM are solid, the PCM itself is almost always the culprit. A failing PCM often stops providing this critical voltage, shutting down the whole system. This simple check can save you hours of frustration and the cost of replacing parts you don’t need.
The Direct, Reliable Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This is a replacement Powertrain Control Module, part number 16229684, for a wide range of 1997 General Motors vehicles. The most significant benefit is that we program it specifically to your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ships. This crucial step ensures it communicates perfectly with your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and options. It arrives loaded with the latest GM-released software, which often includes fixes for known drivability issues and operational refinements that your original module may lack.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 GM PCM:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with various communication or sensor codes.
- โ Vehicle will crank but refuses to start.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- โ Engine stalling, stumbling, or running rough for no apparent reason.
- โ Failure to pass an emissions test.
- โ No communication with a diagnostic scan tool.
Installation and What to Expect
Once you receive your module, installation is straightforward. Simply disconnect the battery, locate the original PCM (typically in the engine bay on the driver’s side), unplug the old module, and install this one. Because it’s already programmed, you avoid the need for expensive dealer-level programming tools or a trip to a repair shop for software flashing. In most cases, the vehicle will start and run correctly immediately. A security relearn procedure may be necessary, which is a simple process that can be done without any special tools.
To complete your order, please provide your vehicle’s VIN in the designated section during checkout or send it to us via email after purchase. We cannot ship your part without it.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840. It is confirmed to fit the following 1997 vehicles (gasoline engines):
- โ Astro Van
- โ Blazer S10 / Jimmy S15 (4.3L V6)
- โ Bravada (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Pickup
- โ Express 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
- โ GMC 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Pickup
- โ Isuzu Hombre (4.3L V6)
- โ S10 / S15 / Sonoma Pickup (4.3L V6)
- โ Safari Van
- โ Savana 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
- โ Suburban 1500 / 2500
- โ Tahoe
- โ Yukon