Is Your Late-90s GM Vehicle Running Out of Steam?
If you’re driving a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro, or another GM vehicle from that era like a Firebird, Grand Prix, or LeSabre, you might be dealing with some frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues. Maybe it’s a car that refuses to start intermittently, stalls at stoplights, or has a Check Engine Light that just won’t go away. Perhaps the transmission is shifting harshly, or your fuel economy has taken a nosedive. These aren’t just signs of age; they are classic symptoms of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
As the electronic brain of your vehicle, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. After more than two decades of heat cycles, vibrations, and constant electrical load, the delicate internal components can begin to fail, leading to a cascade of performance problems.
A Real-World Scenario from the Shop
“A customer’s 1998 Pontiac Firebird with the 3.8L V6 came in last week with these exact symptoms. It had a random no-start condition and when it did run, the transmission would slam into gear. The owner had already replaced the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filter with no success. My scan tool couldn’t even establish a stable connection with the PCM—a dead giveaway. After confirming power and ground to the module were good, we knew the PCM itself was the culprit. The internal processor was failing, causing corrupted communication and erratic commands to the engine and transmission. Replacing the PCM was the only correct fix.”
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. This Powertrain Control Module, compatible with service number 9357440, is the definitive answer to these widespread issues. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair process. Before we ship the module to you, our technicians will program it using your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures two things:
- ✔ Perfect Compatibility: The PCM is loaded with the precise software and calibrations for your Camaro’s 3.8L engine, transmission, and factory options. This eliminates compatibility conflicts that cause drivability problems.
- ✔ Latest GM Updates: Your module will be flashed with the newest stable software release from General Motors. These updates often contain vital improvements that resolve factory-known bugs, enhance transmission shifting logic, and optimize engine performance beyond what your original module could offer.
By providing a module that is programmed and ready for installation, you can avoid a costly trip to the dealership and the additional expense of having them perform the programming. This is a plug-and-play solution designed for both seasoned mechanics and skilled DIYers.
Confirming Your Part Number
Verifying the service number on your original module is the best way to ensure a perfect match. This PCM is a direct replacement for units bearing any of the following service numbers:
- ✔ 09356741
- ✔ 16236757
- ✔ 9356741
- ✔ 9357034
- ✔ 9357440
- ✔ 9366314
Broad GM Vehicle Compatibility
While this listing is focused on the 1998 Camaro, this versatile PCM was used across a wide array of General Motors vehicles, making it one of the most common modules I’ve replaced in my career. It is compatible with the following vehicles:
- ✔ Chevrolet: 1998 Camaro (3.8L), 1998 Lumina, 1998 Malibu (3.1L), 1998 Monte Carlo, 1998 Venture (3.4L)
- ✔ Pontiac: 1998 Bonneville, 1998 Firebird (3.8L), 1998 Grand Am (3.1L), 1998 Grand Prix, 1998 Trans Sport, 1999 Grand Am (3.4L)
- ✔ Oldsmobile: 1998 Achieva (3.1L), 1998 Cutlass, 1998 Eighty Eight, 1998 Intrigue, 1998 Silhouette, 1999 Alero (3.4L), 1999 Cutlass
- ✔ Buick: 1998 Century (3.1L), 1998 LeSabre (3.8L), 1998 Park Avenue (3.8L), 1998 Regal, 1998 Riviera (3.8L), 1998 Skylark (3.1L)
Restore the reliability and performance of your vehicle with a professionally programmed, ready-to-install Powertrain Control Module. Simply provide your VIN at checkout and let us handle the rest.