Is Your 1997 GM Truck or Van Acting Up?
If you’re dealing with a no-start condition, a persistent check engine light, erratic engine performance, or unpredictable shifting in your 1997 Savana 2500 or another compatible GM vehicle, the heart of the problem is often the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues countless times. These vehicles are workhorses, but their electronics from the 90s are now reaching the end of their service life.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Scenario
“A customer’s 1997 Chevy Express 2500 came in on a tow truck last week with these exact symptoms. It would crank all day long but wouldn’t fire. We confirmed it had fuel pressure and a good spark signal, which was confusing at first. When we connected our high-level scan tool, it reported ‘No Communication’ with the PCM. That’s the tell-tale sign. The internal processors or capacitors on the original module had failed after 25+ years of heat and vibration. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, and the van fired right up on the first try. The customer was back on the road in under an hour without needing a trip to the dealership.”
The Brain of Your Vehicle’s Operation
The PCM is the central computer for your truck or van. It makes thousands of calculations per second to manage everything from the fuel injectors and ignition timing to the transmission’s shift points. When it fails, the symptoms can be widespread and confusing:
- โ Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t go away.
- โ Complete no-start or intermittent starting problems.
- โ Rough or unstable idle.
- โ Poor fuel economy.
- โ Harsh or delayed transmission shifting.
- โ Failure to pass an emissions test.
The Hassle-Free Solution: A Pre-Programmed PCM
Don’t waste time and money at a dealership. This PCM is the direct, reliable solution to get your vehicle running correctly again. The most critical part of this service is that we program the module to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before we ship it. This is not a generic, one-size-fits-all part. The VIN-specific programming ensures that all the correct parameters for your engine, transmission, and factory options are loaded and ready to go.
- โ No Dealer Visit Needed: This module arrives ready for installation. No additional programming is required.
- โ Latest GM Software: We flash it with the newest, most stable software updates available from GM for your vehicle.
- โ Direct Replacement: Guaranteed to be compatible with part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840.
- โ Easy Installation: Simply disconnect the battery, unbolt the old module in the engine bay, and plug this one in.
Simple Ordering Process
After you complete your purchase, simply send us a message with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will handle the programming, and we’ll ship the module directly to you, ready for a straightforward installation.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your 1997 GM Vehicle
This Electronic Control Module is a direct fit for the following 1997 gasoline-powered models. Please verify the location noted for your specific vehicle.
- โ Astro / Safari (GMC): (LH front by battery)
- โ Blazer S10 / Jimmy S15: (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ Bravada: (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ Chevrolet Pickup (1500, 2500, 3500): (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Express Van (1500, 2500, 3500): (Gasoline models)
- โ GMC Pickup (1500, 2500, 3500): (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Isuzu Hombre: (4.3L, 6 cylinder)
- โ S10 / S15 / Sonoma: (6-262, 4.3L)
- โ Savana Van (1500, 2500, 3500): (Gasoline models)
- โ Suburban (1500, 2500): (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Tahoe / Yukon: (LH front engine compartment)