Is Your Late-90s GM Running Rough?
If you’re driving a 1998 or 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, or a similar GM vehicle from that era, you might be dealing with some frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues. Does your car hesitate, stall unexpectedly at red lights, or shift gears with a harsh clunk? Is your check engine light a permanent fixture on your dashboard, throwing codes that seem to lead nowhere even after replacing sensors? These aren’t just signs of age; they are classic symptoms of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
A Technician’s Real-World Experience
A customer’s ’99 Grand Am with the 3.4L V6 came into my shop last month with these exact symptoms. It was stalling intermittently and the automatic transmission was slamming into gear. The owner had already spent hundreds replacing the MAF sensor and a few transmission solenoids based on generic code readings, but the problem persisted. After hooking up my diagnostic scanner and observing the live data stream, I saw erratic readings from multiple circuits that all pointed back to one source. As I’ve seen on hundreds of these GM vehicles, the original PCM’s internal driver circuits were failing. We swapped in a correctly programmed module, and the car ran like it just rolled off the assembly line.
Why Your Original PCM Fails
The PCM is the electronic brain of your vehicle, controlling everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points. After more than two decades of service, the original electronic components inside these modules begin to break down. Constant exposure to heat cycles in the engine bay or under the dash causes microscopic cracks in solder joints and the failure of internal capacitors and processors. This degradation leads to the unpredictable and maddening problems you’re likely experiencing.
Common Symptoms of a Faulty GM PCM:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL) is on with various, often misleading, trouble codes.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Harsh, erratic, or delayed automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or stumbling, especially when warm or at idle.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
The Direct, Reliable Solution: A Pre-Programmed PCM
This Powertrain Control Module is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability. It’s not just a replacement part; it’s a fully prepared component that eliminates the guesswork and extra costs associated with module replacement. The most critical step, programming, is done for you before we ship.
The Power of VIN-Specific Programming
Simply installing a used or non-programmed module from another vehicle won’t work. Modern vehicles have sophisticated anti-theft systems (like GM’s Passlock/VATS) and specific calibrations for the engine and transmission. Our process ensures a seamless installation:
- ✔ We Flash the Latest GM Software: Your module arrives loaded with the most recent factory calibrations for your specific vehicle, addressing potential drivability issues that were fixed in later software releases.
- ✔ Programmed to Your VIN: We use your vehicle’s unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to configure the module. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and anti-theft system.
- ✔ No Dealership Visit Required: You save hundreds of dollars and the hassle of having your car towed to a dealer for programming. This module is designed to be a true plug-and-play solution.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your Vehicle
This module, identified by part number 9366314, is a direct replacement for several original equipment service numbers. Please verify your vehicle is on this list and, if possible, match the service number on your current module. This part is compatible with service numbers: 09356741, 16236757, 9357034, 9357440, and 9366314.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
Pontiac:
- ✔ GRAND AM 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ GRAND AM 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 16236757
- ✔ GRAND AM 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9356741
- ✔ GRAND AM 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9366314
- ✔ GRAND AM 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9357034
- ✔ GRAND AM 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9347440
- ✔ GRAND PRIX 98 Electronic Control Module
- ✔ FIREBIRD 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-231 (3.8L)
- ✔ BONNEVILLE 98 Electronic Control Module
- ✔ TRANS SPORT 98 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment)
Oldsmobile:
- ✔ CUTLASS 98 Electronic Control Module
- ✔ CUTLASS 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), ID 16236757
- ✔ ALERO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 16236757
- ✔ ALERO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9356741
- ✔ ALERO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH center dash), 3.4L, ID 9357440
- ✔ ACHIEVA 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ EIGHTY EIGHT 98 Electronic Control Module
- ✔ SILHOUETTE 98 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment)
- ✔ INTRIGUE 98 Electronic Control Module
Buick:
- ✔ LESABRE 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ PARK AVENUE 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ RIVIERA 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ CENTURY 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ SKYLARK 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ REGAL 98 Electronic Control Module
Chevrolet:
- ✔ VENTURE 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-207, 3.4L)
- ✔ MALIBU 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ LUMINA CAR 98 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment)
- ✔ CAMARO 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-231 (3.8L)
- ✔ MONTE CARLO 98 Electronic Control Module
IMPORTANT: After purchase, please provide your VIN so we can program the module specifically for your vehicle before shipment.