Is Your 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a persistent check engine light, unpredictable stalling, harsh transmission shifts, or a frustrating no-start condition, the problem often points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer of your minivan, the PCM controls everything from fuel mixture and spark timing to transmission operation. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of issues that are often misdiagnosed, costing you time and money on unnecessary parts.
In my 20+ years as a technician, I’ve seen countless late-90s GM vehicles, like the Trans Sport and its siblings the Silhouette and Venture, come into the shop with what owners thought were major transmission failures. After hooking up the scanner, we’d find communication errors or irrational sensor readings. More often than not, the root cause wasn’t the transmission itself, but a faulty PCM sending bad commands. This module is the definitive solution to restore that critical communication and get your vehicle operating as it should.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: A Pre-Programmed 1998 Trans Sport PCM
Forget about expensive dealership visits and towing fees. We take the hassle out of the repair by programming this module specifically for your vehicle before it ever leaves our facility. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN during checkout, and our experts will flash the unit with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility right out of the box.
- ✔ VIN-Programmed for Your Vehicle: We load your vehicle’s specific calibration files for a perfect match.
- ✔ Latest GM Software: This module is updated to correct original factory bugs and improve drivability.
- ✔ Solves Common Issues: An effective fix for no-start conditions, poor fuel economy, erratic idling, and transmission shifting problems.
- ✔ Direct-Fit Replacement: Guaranteed to fit and function just like the original, without any modifications.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Connectors First!
Before installing your new PCM, take a close look at the vehicle’s wiring harness connectors. Over two decades, pins can become corroded, bent, or pushed back into the connector housing. Use a flashlight and a small pick to ensure every pin is clean, straight, and secure. A poor connection is the #1 reason for a new module to not work correctly or fail prematurely. A few minutes of inspection can save you hours of frustration.
Simple Installation to Get You Back on the Road
Replacing the PCM on your Trans Sport is a straightforward job you can do in your own driveway. The module is typically located in the engine bay, inside the air filter housing assembly for easy access.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: Open the air filter box on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. The PCM is mounted inside.
- Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical connectors from the old module. Note their orientation.
- Remove Old Unit: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install New PCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed module in its place and secure it.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses back into the new PCM and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: You may need to perform a simple key-cycle security relearn procedure. Turn the key to ‘ON’ for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeat two more times. Your vehicle should then start and run correctly.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct replacement for units with the following service numbers. Please match your part number to ensure compatibility.
Service Numbers: 09356741, 16236757, 9357034, 9357440, 9366314
This part is confirmed to fit the following 1998-1999 GM vehicles:
This module fits a wide range of models including the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Chevrolet Venture, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Camaro, and many more. Please use the compatibility chart to verify fitment for your specific vehicle and engine.