Restore Your GM’s Brain and Get Back on the Road with Confidence
There’s nothing more frustrating than a vehicle that won’t run right. Stalling at intersections, a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, or a complete no-start condition can make you lose faith in your car. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen these exact issues hundreds of times, and the culprit is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This isn’t just a part; it’s the central computer of your vehicle, and when it malfunctions, your car’s performance and reliability go with it.
This Powertrain Control Module, part number 16236757, is the definitive solution for a wide range of 1998 and 1999 GM vehicles. The biggest hurdle with replacing a PCM has always been the expensive and time-consuming programming required at a dealership. We eliminate that step entirely. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, we will program this module with the latest factory software from GM specifically for your car. It arrives at your door ready for installation, saving you hundreds in dealer fees and diagnostic time.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 1998 Buick LeSabre that came into my shop. The owner was fed up. He’d replaced the spark plugs, wires, and even the fuel pump, but the car still had a rough idle and would occasionally stall when coming to a stop. No specific sensor codes were present, just a nagging P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error). This code is a direct indictment of the PCM itself. After confirming power and grounds to the module were solid, we installed one of our pre-programmed PCMs. The security relearn took about 30 minutes, and the car fired up and idled perfectly. It’s a classic example of how a faulty PCM can mimic other component failures, making a direct replacement the only real fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can cause a variety of confusing and intermittent problems. If your car is experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution.
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes like P0601, P0602, or other U-series communication codes.
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ A no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Misfires or rough running even after a tune-up.
- ✔ Intermittent failure of gauges or other electronic components.
Your Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 1998 Regal Powertrain Control Module is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. The most critical part is performing the security relearn procedure afterward, which allows the module to communicate with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these GM models, the PCM is located inside the air filter box in the engine compartment. You may need to remove the air intake ducting for access.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical wiring harnesses from the old module. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Seat your new, pre-programmed PCM into the mounting bracket and secure it. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click firmly into place.
- Reconnect the Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: This step is essential. Attempt to start the engine; it will crank but not run. Leave the key in the ‘ON’ position for 10-12 minutes, or until the ‘Security’ light on the dash stops flashing and turns off. Turn the key off for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle two more times (for a total of three 10-minute cycles). The vehicle should now start and run normally.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for numerous GM cars. Please verify your vehicle is on this list and that your original module carries one of the compatible service numbers: 09356741, 16236757, 9356741, 9357034, 9357440, or 9366314.
ALERO 99 (3.4L)
BONNEVILLE 98
CAMARO 98 (3.8L)
CENTURY 98 (3.1L)
CUTLASS 98-99
EIGHTY EIGHT 98
FIREBIRD 98 (3.8L)
GRAND AM 98 (3.1L)
GRAND AM 99 (3.4L)
GRAND PRIX 98
INTRIGUE 98
LESABRE 98 (3.8L)
LUMINA CAR 98
MALIBU 98 (3.1L)
MONTE CARLO 98
PARK AVENUE 98 (3.8L)
REGAL 98
RIVIERA 98 (3.8L)
SILHOUETTE 98
SKYLARK 98 (3.1L)
TRANS SPORT 98
VENTURE 98 (3.4L)