Is Your 1997 Chevrolet Lumina Running Poorly?
If your 1997 Lumina is experiencing frustrating issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent check engine light, or even a complete failure to start, the root cause is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your vehicle’s engine and transmission, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it begins to fail, the symptoms can be widespread and difficult to diagnose, but a faulty module is a common culprit on these classic GM vehicles.
We recently had a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (which uses this exact same module) towed in with a no-start condition. The owner had replaced the battery, starter, and fuel pump, but the engine would only crank without firing. After checking for spark and fuel pressure, which were intermittent, we connected our diagnostic scanner. Communication with the PCM was spotty at best. We swapped in a known-good, pre-programmed module, and the car fired up on the first try and ran perfectly. The original PCM had an internal failure from years of heat and vibration, a common fate for these components. A pre-programmed replacement saved the customer hundreds in diagnostic time and got them back on the road quickly.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 1997 Lumina PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring, especially under load.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ A noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ The vehicle cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Failure to communicate with diagnostic scan tools.
- ✔ Intermittent electrical issues that seem to have no other cause.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your car off the road. This Powertrain Control Module, part number 16218070, is the definitive solution for your vehicle. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair process. Unlike a generic part from a salvage yard, each module we ship is professionally programmed with the latest GM software updates specifically for your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures that all factory parameters for your engine, transmission, and options are perfectly matched, restoring original performance and reliability.
This process eliminates the need for an expensive trip to a dealership for programming. The module arrives at your door ready for a straightforward installation. In most cases, it’s a simple plug-and-play procedure, though some vehicles may require a security relearn procedure, which can typically be done in your driveway without special tools.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This PCM is a direct replacement for original part numbers 16218070 and 16217058. It is guaranteed to fit and function correctly in the following 1997 model year vehicles:
- Chevrolet: Lumina (3.1L), Monte Carlo (3.1L), Venture (3.4L)
- Pontiac: Bonneville (3.8L w/o supercharger), Grand Am (3.1L), Grand Prix (3.1L or 3.8L w/o supercharger), Trans Sport (3.4L)
- Oldsmobile: Eighty Eight (3.8L w/o supercharger), Achieva (3.1L), Cutlass Supreme, Silhouette (3.4L)
- Buick: Century (3.1L), LeSabre (3.8L), Regal (3.8L w/o supercharger), Skylark (3.1L)
By providing your VIN upon purchase, you ensure you receive a perfectly matched and updated 1997 Lumina PCM, restoring your vehicle’s brain to factory-fresh condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this part ready to install when it arrives?
Yes! We program the module with the latest GM software using the VIN you provide during checkout. This ensures it is ready for installation right out of the box, with no need for additional dealer programming.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your part until we receive this information, as the programming is essential for the part to work correctly.
Where is the PCM located on my 1997 Lumina?
On most 1997 GM W-body cars like the Lumina, the PCM is located inside the vehicle’s air filter box in the engine compartment. This protects it from the elements but still allows for relatively easy access for replacement. Always disconnect the battery before unplugging or replacing any electronic module.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the PCM, then yes, this replacement part will resolve the issue. However, the check engine light can be triggered by many other components. It is always best to have the codes read by a diagnostic scanner to help pinpoint the cause of the problem.
What is the difference between a PCM, ECM, and ECU?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) and ECU (Engine Control Unit) typically refer to a computer that only manages engine functions. A PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is a more integrated unit that manages both the engine and the automatic transmission. This part is a PCM.