Is Your Cavalier, Sunfire, Grand Am, or Alero Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, unexplained stalling, a rough idle, or even a complete no-start condition, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. As a mechanic with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen how a faulty engine computer can turn a reliable car into a source of constant headaches. It’s the brain of your engine, and when it starts to fail, it can send incorrect signals to everything from your fuel injectors to your ignition coils, causing a wide range of performance problems.
The Smart, Simple Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Forget expensive dealership visits and the uncertainty of a generic, unprogrammed module. This is a dependable, tested PCM pulled from a salvaged vehicle, ready to be the heart of your car again. The most critical part of this process is that we program it specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ships. This ensures it has the latest GM software updates and communicates perfectly with your car’s other systems, just like the original. This is not a one-size-fits-all part; it’s prepared for your exact vehicle.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnosis
“A customer’s 2001 Sunfire came in last month with a random, intermittent misfire on cylinder 3 that two other shops couldn’t solve. They had already replaced the spark plug, wire, and ignition coil. Diagnostics showed the coil was getting power, but the trigger signal from the PCM was weak and erratic. We swapped in one of our pre-programmed PCMs, and the misfire vanished instantly. The original PCM’s internal driver for that coil had failed—a common issue I’ve seen dozens of times on these GM platforms. It saved the customer from throwing more money at parts they didn’t need.”
Key Symptoms a Failing PCM Can Cause:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various codes
- ✔ Engine stalling or cutting out while driving
- ✔ Rough or erratic idling
- ✔ Complete no-start or hard-start conditions
- ✔ Poor fuel economy
- ✔ Failed emissions testing
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
Why Choose Our 2000-2002 Cavalier PCM?
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. By programming the module to your VIN, we eliminate the need for any additional on-car programming or security relearn procedures that would typically require a trip to a dealer or a specialized shop with expensive scan tools. It’s designed to be a straightforward, DIY-friendly repair that gets you back on the road quickly and affordably.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the PCM: On most Cavalier and Sunfire models, it’s found in the engine compartment, often on the passenger side near the firewall or air filter box. On Grand Am and Alero models, it’s typically located inside the car, behind the center dash area.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. Inspect the pins on both the harness and the new module for any corrosion or damage.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt and remove the old PCM. Mount the new, programmed module securely in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses firmly into the new PCM. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Start the vehicle. It may run slightly rough for the first few minutes as the computer completes its internal checks. Let it idle for 5-10 minutes. Your check engine light should be off and the vehicle should run smoothly.
Guaranteed Fitment and Compatibility
This engine computer is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, ensuring broad compatibility. Please verify your original part number or match your vehicle in the list below.
- Interchangeable Part Numbers: 09356249, 16268310, 9356249, 9392873
- Compatible Vehicles:
- 2000-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (with ID 9356249)
- 2000-2001 Pontiac Grand Am (with 2.4L engine)
- 2000-2001 Pontiac Sunfire
- 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (with ID 9356249)
- 2000-2001 Oldsmobile Alero (with 2.4L engine)
IMPORTANT: After purchase, please send us a message with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN so we can perform the programming. Your order will not ship until we receive this information.