Restore Peak Performance to Your Vehicle
Is your 1998 Buick Regal, or another compatible GM vehicle, suffering from perplexing issues like a persistent check engine light, poor fuel economy, or erratic transmission shifting? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer of your vehicle, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it begins to fail, the symptoms can be widespread and frustrating, often mimicking other mechanical problems.
This replacement Powertrain Control Module, part number 16236757, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s original performance and reliability. We take the guesswork out of the repair by programming the module specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. This ensures that it arrives with the latest GM software updates, ready for installation and proper communication with all other onboard systems.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3.8L V6 come into the shop with a complaint of intermittent stalling at stoplights and a harsh 1-2 shift. The customer had already replaced the spark plugs, wires, and even the mass airflow sensor with no luck. Scans showed no hard codes, just a few pending communication errors. After monitoring live data, we noticed the PCM would occasionally drop sensor readings for a split second before the stall. We swapped in a VIN-programmed PCM like this one, performed a quick security relearn, and the car ran perfectly. It’s a reminder that when the vehicle’s ‘brain’ isn’t healthy, it can cause symptoms all over the system.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or rough idling
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- ✔ Harsh, delayed, or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Engine cranks but fails to start (no-start condition)
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing
- ✔ Unexplained loss of power and acceleration
The Critical Advantage of a VIN-Programmed 1998 Regal PCM
Simply installing a used or non-programmed module from another vehicle will not work. Modern vehicles rely on a complex network of modules that must recognize each other to function, a key part of which is the factory anti-theft system. Our process eliminates these compatibility headaches. When you provide your vehicle’s VIN, our technicians flash this 1998 Regal PCM with the exact software calibration specified by General Motors for your car’s engine, transmission, and options. This ensures a seamless integration, restoring factory-level operation without the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
Simple Ordering and Installation Process
- ✔ Place Your Order: Add this module to your cart and complete the purchase.
- ✔ Provide Your VIN: After checkout, reply to your order confirmation email with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- ✔ Installation: Once you receive the module, disconnect the battery, replace the old unit, and reconnect the battery. In many cases, a simple security relearn procedure (often called a ‘key-on/key-off’ cycle) is all that’s needed to sync the module with your keys. We can provide instructions for this common procedure.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for service part number 16236757 and is also compatible with several other service numbers, including 09356741, 9357034, 9357440, and 9366314. It fits a wide range of 1998 and 1999 GM vehicles. While this listing focuses on the 1998 Regal PCM, please verify your part number or consult the fitment list below to ensure it is the correct part for your specific car, such as the Grand Am, LeSabre, Century, Malibu, Camaro, Firebird, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this module programmed?
No. We handle all the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN after purchase, and it will arrive ready to be installed.
What is a VIN and where can I find it?
The VIN is your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. You can typically find it on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.
Is this a difficult part to install?
For most DIY mechanics, the physical replacement is straightforward. It typically involves disconnecting the battery and unbolting the old module. The only additional step is a potential security relearn procedure, which we can provide instructions for.
How can I be sure my old PCM is the problem?
The symptoms listed above are strong indicators of a failing PCM. However, for a definitive diagnosis, it’s always best to have the vehicle checked by a professional mechanic who can rule out other potential causes like faulty sensors or wiring.
Will this fix my car’s hard shifting?
If the hard shifting is caused by a faulty PCM failing to send the correct signals to the transmission, then yes, this replacement part will solve the issue. The PCM controls both engine and transmission functions.
What if my original part has a different service number on it?
This module is a direct replacement for multiple service numbers, including 09356741, 16236757, 9357034, 9357440, and 9366314. As long as your part number is on this list, this module will work for your vehicle.