Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Vehicle
Is your car suffering from frustrating issues like a persistent Check Engine Light, erratic shifting, stalling, or poor fuel economy? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your vehicle. Don’t let a faulty computer keep you off the road. This replacement PCM, service number 09356741, is the reliable, straightforward solution you need to get your engine and transmission working in harmony again.
Over my 20 years in the garage, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles from this era with puzzling electrical gremlins. The culprit is often the original PCM, which can fail due to age, heat cycles, or internal component breakdown. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete fix. We flash it with the latest official GM software updates tailored specifically to your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures all systems—from fuel delivery to transmission shift points—are calibrated precisely as the factory intended, often resolving issues that even a standard replacement wouldn’t fix.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Stall
I once had a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville with the 3.8L V6 come into my shop. The owner was at his wit’s end. The car would run perfectly for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. No consistent trouble codes were stored, making diagnosis a nightmare. After checking fuel pressure, spark, and sensors, everything seemed fine. On a hunch, I tapped the PCM housing with a screwdriver handle while the engine was idling, and it immediately stumbled. The problem was an internal solder joint fracture inside the PCM that would separate when hot. Replacing it with a properly programmed module like this one solved the problem for good. It’s a perfect example of how a failing PCM can cause the most elusive and frustrating symptoms.
Common Signs of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on, often with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication faults.
- ✔ Your vehicle fails to start or starts and then immediately stalls.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency for no apparent reason.
- ✔ The engine runs rough, misfires, or hesitates during acceleration.
- ✔ Harsh or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Loss of communication with your diagnostic scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental contact.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On many of these GM models, the PCM is located inside the air filter housing in the engine bay. You will need to open the airbox to access it.
- ✔ Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully unclip and disconnect the electrical wiring harnesses from the old PCM. The clips can be brittle, so be gentle.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt or unclip the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- ✔ Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM in the same location. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
- ✔ Final Steps: Reassemble the air filter housing and reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start. A security relearn procedure may be required, which typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This module is a direct replacement for service numbers 09356741, 16236757, 9357034, 9357440, and 9366314. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
Chevrolet: Camaro (98), Lumina Car (98), Malibu (98), Monte Carlo (98), Venture (98)
Oldsmobile: Achieva (98), Alero (99), Cutlass (98-99), Eighty Eight (98), Intrigue (98), Silhouette (98)
Pontiac: Bonneville (98), Firebird (98), Grand Am (98-99), Grand Prix (98), Trans Sport (98)
Note: For 1999 models, please verify your existing module’s ID number matches one of the compatible service numbers listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After placing your order, you MUST provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot program and ship your module without it. Simply send it through the messaging system.
Is any additional programming required after installation?
No. This PCM arrives pre-programmed to your VIN with the latest GM software. In some cases, a simple key-cycle security relearn procedure may be necessary, which does not require any special tools.
Where is the VIN located?
You can find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a small plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
How does this solve my car’s problems?
This fully tested module restores the critical logic for engine and transmission operation. By using your VIN, we ensure it has the exact software calibration your vehicle needs for optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control.
Is this part difficult to install for a DIYer?
Not at all. For most of the compatible vehicles, the PCM is easily accessible. With basic hand tools and our installation guide, most DIY mechanics can complete the swap in under an hour.