Is Your 1997 GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a 1997 GMC Savana 3500, or one of the many other compatible GM vehicles from that era, you know they’re built to last. But after decades of service, the electronic heart of the vehicleโthe Powertrain Control Module (PCM)โcan start to show its age. I’ve been wrenching on these trucks for over 20 years, and the symptoms of a failing PCM are ones I’ve seen countless times in my service bay.
You might be experiencing frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, poor fuel economy, harsh or erratic transmission shifting, or even a dreaded no-start condition where the engine just cranks and cranks. These problems often point directly to a breakdown within the internal circuitry of the original engine computer.
The Technician’s Perspective on PCM Failure
The PCM, also known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM), is the master computer for your engine and transmission. It processes information from dozens of sensors to control fuel injection, ignition timing, and shift points. Over time, the constant heat cycles under the hood and electrical vibrations can cause internal components like capacitors and driver circuits to fail. This leads to the intermittent and confusing problems that are so difficult to diagnose. One week it’s a random misfire code, the next the transmission won’t shift out of first gear. It’s a classic sign of a computer on its way out.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First
Before condemning your PCM, I always tell my customers to do one thing: check and clean the main engine and body ground connections. On these 90s GM trucks, a corroded ground strap can cause voltage drops that mimic the symptoms of a bad computer. A few minutes with a wire brush can sometimes save you a lot of diagnostic headaches. If the grounds are solid and the problems persist, the PCM is the next logical step.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: Programmed for Your Vehicle
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality replacement PCM, part number 16229684, and professionally program it with the latest official GM software updates specifically for your vehicle. The process is simple:
- โ You purchase the module.
- โ You provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- โ We flash the module to match your VIN, ensuring it has the correct calibration for your engine, transmission, and factory options.
- โ We ship the ready-to-install module directly to you.
This VIN-specific programming is critical. It eliminates the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. Once it arrives, you can install it and, in most cases, get your vehicle running properly again right away. For some models, a simple security relearn procedure may be necessary, which can typically be done in your own driveway.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module, identified by part numbers 16229684 and 8162296840, is the correct fit for a wide range of 1997 GM trucks and vans. If your vehicle is on the list below and is experiencing PCM-related issues, this is the reliable fix you need.
Fits These 1997 Models:
- โ Chevrolet/GMC 1500, 2500, & 3500 Pickups (Gasoline)
- โ Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana 1500, 2500, & 3500 Vans (Gasoline)
- โ Chevrolet Suburban 1500 & 2500 (Gasoline)
- โ Chevrolet Tahoe & GMC Yukon (Gasoline)
- โ Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, & Isuzu Hombre (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Blazer & GMC Jimmy (4.3L V6)
- โ Oldsmobile Bravada (4.3L V6)
- โ Chevrolet Astro & GMC Safari Vans
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your dependable GM truck off the road. This professionally programmed PCM is the most straightforward and effective way to restore its performance and reliability.