Is Your Late-90s GM Running Rough? Let’s Get It Fixed.
If you’re dealing with a Check Engine Light that won’t go away, a transmission that shifts hard or erratically, stalling for no reason, or a frustrating no-start condition in your 1998 Buick Skylark or other compatible GM vehicle, the problem is very often the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your engine and transmission, when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and intermittent issues that are tough to diagnose.
Over my 20+ years turning wrenches, I’ve seen hundreds of these specific GM vehicles from the late 90s exhibit these exact symptoms. The PCM, often located in the engine bay or under the dash, is subjected to constant heat and vibration. Over time, this leads to internal component failure, like cracked solder joints or failing capacitors, causing the very problems you’re likely experiencing right now.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnosis
“A customer’s 1998 Grand Am with the 3.1L V6 came into my shop last month with a problem that was driving him crazy. It would run fine when cold, but after 20 minutes of driving, the transmission would start slamming into gear, and sometimes the engine would just die at a stoplight. He’d already replaced a couple of sensors with no luck. After hooking up my professional scan tool and watching the live data, I could see erratic readings from multiple sensors simultaneously—a classic sign the computer itself is the problem. We installed a correctly programmed PCM, and the car has been running perfectly ever since. This is a story I’ve seen play out time and time again with these vehicles.”
The Only Correct Solution: A VIN-Programmed Replacement
Simply swapping a used module from a junkyard won’t work. These PCMs are specifically calibrated for the vehicle they came from. Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains critical information about its engine, transmission, tire size, and anti-theft system (VATS/PassLock). Our service eliminates the guesswork and the need for an expensive trip to the dealership.
Here’s What We Do For You:
- ✔ We Flash Your Module: We use your VIN to program the PCM with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This can often correct drivability issues that were present even when the car was new.
- ✔ Plug & Play Installation: Because the module arrives programmed to your exact vehicle, it’s ready for installation right out of the box. In most cases, no further procedures are needed.
- ✔ Anti-Theft Ready: The programming ensures the PCM will correctly communicate with your car’s existing anti-theft system, preventing a no-start situation that occurs with un-programmed modules.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: This module is a direct replacement for several service numbers. If the original module in your vehicle has one of the following numbers on its label, this part is a compatible replacement: 09356741, 16236757, 9357034, 9357440, or 9366314.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This Powertrain Control Module is compatible with a wide range of GM cars and vans from the 1998-1999 model years. Please check your vehicle against the list below to ensure proper fitment. It is crucial to match your vehicle, year, and engine size. For 1999 models, you may need to physically check the ID number on your current module.
- ✔ Achieva 1998: 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Alero 1999: 3.4L Engine (ID 16236757, 9356741, 9357034, 9357440)
- ✔ Bonneville 1998
- ✔ Camaro 1998: 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Century 1998: 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Cutlass 1998
- ✔ Cutlass 1999: (ID 16236757)
- ✔ Eighty Eight 1998
- ✔ Firebird 1998: 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Grand Am 1998: 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Grand Am 1999: 3.4L Engine (ID 16236757, 9356741, 9366314, 9357034, 9347440)
- ✔ Grand Prix 1998
- ✔ Intrigue 1998
- ✔ LeSabre 1998: 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Lumina Car 1998
- ✔ Malibu 1998: 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Monte Carlo 1998
- ✔ Park Avenue 1998: 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Regal 1998
- ✔ Riviera 1998: 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Silhouette 1998
- ✔ Skylark 1998: 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Trans Sport 1998
- ✔ Venture 1998: 3.4L (6-207) Engine
Simple Ordering Process
After you complete your purchase, we will contact you for your vehicle’s VIN. Once we have it, our technicians will program the module, and it will be shipped directly to you. It’s the most reliable and straightforward way to get your car back on the road and running smoothly.