Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Vehicle
Is your 1998 Buick Regal or other GM vehicle suffering from frustrating issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent Check Engine Light, or a complete no-start condition? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your engine. In my 20+ years of diagnostics, I’ve seen countless drivers chase expensive and incorrect repairs when the core issue was a faulty PCM. This module is the central command for your engine’s fuel delivery, ignition timing, and transmission function. When it fails, the entire system suffers.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 1998 Grand Prix that came into the shop with a maddening intermittent stalling problem. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and crank sensor. The car would run fine for days, then die at a stoplight without warning. No consistent codes were stored, just a history of random misfires. After checking all the wiring, we focused on the PCM. On these late-90s GM vehicles, heat and age can cause microscopic cracks in the PCM’s internal circuit board. We swapped in a pre-programmed module like this one, and the problem vanished instantly. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most complex-seeming issues have a straightforward, central cause.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light with codes like P0601, P0602, P0605, or P0606.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or running rough.
- ✔ Unexplained drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Vehicle won’t start, even with a good battery and starter.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
Don’t let a faulty computer keep you off the road. We offer a reliable, fully tested 1998 Regal Powertrain Control Module that arrives at your door ready for installation. The biggest hurdle with PCM replacement is the need for expensive, dealer-level programming. We eliminate that step entirely. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) during checkout, and our technicians will flash the module with the latest GM-certified software specific to your car. This ensures perfect communication between the engine, transmission, and all related systems, restoring the smooth, reliable operation you expect.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On most of these GM models, the PCM is located inside the air filter housing in the engine bay for easy access.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old module. They have locking tabs that need to be released before pulling.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed module in place and securely re-attach the wiring harness connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock.
- ✔ Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may require a brief idle period for all systems to sync.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 9357034, is a direct replacement for service numbers 09356741, 16236757, 9357440, and 9366314. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
- ACHIEVA 1998 (3.1L)
- ALERO 1999 (3.4L)
- BONNEVILLE 1998
- CAMARO 1998 (3.8L)
- CENTURY 1998 (3.1L)
- CUTLASS 1998-1999
- EIGHTY EIGHT 1998
- FIREBIRD 1998 (3.8L)
- GRAND AM 1998-1999 (3.1L, 3.4L)
- GRAND PRIX 1998
- INTRIGUE 1998
- LESABRE 1998 (3.8L)
- LUMINA CAR 1998
- MALIBU 1998 (3.1L)
- MONTE CARLO 1998
- PARK AVENUE 1998 (3.8L)
- REGAL 1998
- RIVIERA 1998 (3.8L)
- SILHOUETTE 1998
- SKYLARK 1998 (3.1L)
- TRANS SPORT 1998
- VENTURE 1998 (3.4L)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming or flashing myself?
No. This is the core benefit of our service. We program the module to your specific VIN before we ship it. It arrives ready to install, saving you a trip to the dealership and hundreds in programming fees.
Where do I find my VIN?
Your 17-digit VIN can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a placard on the driver’s side of the dashboard visible through the windshield.
Is this a difficult part to install for a DIYer?
Not at all. For most of the compatible vehicles, the PCM is easily accessible in the engine bay. With basic hand tools, most DIY enthusiasts can complete the swap in under 30 minutes.
Will this fix my car’s hard shifting problems?
In many cases, yes. The PCM controls transmission shift points and line pressure. If the module is failing, it can cause erratic shifting, which this replacement part is designed to correct.
What if I have a different service number on my original part?
This module is a consolidated replacement for multiple service numbers, including 09356741, 16236757, 9357440, and others listed. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list, this part will function correctly.