Is Your Buick Regal or GM Vehicle Running Erratically?
If you’re behind the wheel of a 2000-2002 Buick Regal, or one of the many other compatible GM vehicles from that era, you might be dealing with some frustrating and confusing issues. Maybe the check engine light is a permanent fixture on your dash. Perhaps the engine stumbles, stalls at stoplights, or refuses to start altogether. You might also notice harsh, unpredictable shifting from the transmission. These aren’t just signs of age; they’re classic symptoms of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood of these exact cars, I’ve seen this scenario hundreds of times. The PCM is the electronic brain of your vehicle, controlling every critical function of the engine and transmission. When it starts to fail, the signals it sends become corrupt, leading to a cascade of problems that can seem unrelated and impossible to diagnose.
A Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix came in last week with these exact symptoms. It had a persistent check engine light with codes for multiple sensor circuits, it would shift hard from first to second, and occasionally stall when coming to a stop. The owner had already replaced a few sensors with no luck. We connected our diagnostic equipment and saw erratic data streams coming from the PCM. After confirming power and grounds to the module were solid, we knew the internal logic of the PCM itself was compromised. It’s a common failure point I’ve diagnosed on these W-body and related GM platforms. Replacing the PCM with a correctly programmed unit solved all three problems instantly.”
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM (Part #12202600)
A faulty PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your module is the likely culprit:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with various, often inconsistent, trouble codes.
- โ The engine runs rough, misfires, or has a poor idle quality.
- โ Your vehicle experiences sudden stalling or fails to start, even with a good battery and starter.
- โ The transmission shifts harshly, slips between gears, or gets stuck in one gear (limp mode).
- โ You notice a significant and unexplained decrease in fuel economy.
- โ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
The Solution: A Reliable, Pre-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. This Powertrain Control Module, compatible with service numbers 12202600, 12209614, and 09360210, is the definitive fix for these issues. The most critical part of the process is the programming, and we handle that for you.
Hereโs how it works:
- You purchase this module.
- You provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Our technicians use your VIN to flash the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from General Motors.
- We ship you a module that is 100% plug-and-play. No expensive trips to the dealership for programming are required.
This process ensures that the PCM is perfectly matched to your car’s specific configuration, including its engine, transmission, and factory options. This eliminates compatibility conflicts and restores the precise performance and reliability your vehicle had when it was new.
Installation & Compatibility Check
Installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic tools or any professional mechanic. The module is typically located in the left-hand (driver’s side) of the engine compartment, often inside the air filter box assembly for protection. On some models like the Alero or Grand Am, it’s found inside the vehicle near the center of the dashboard. Always disconnect the battery before unplugging the old module and installing the new one.
Crucial Step: Please verify that your existing module has one of the compatible part numbers (12202600, 12209614, 09360210) printed on its label before ordering. This guarantees a perfect match for the extensive list of vehicles below.
Guaranteed Fitment For These GM Vehicles:
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM cars and minivans. Please confirm your specific model and year from the list below.
- โ Alero: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- โ Aurora: 2001-2002 (3.5L)
- โ Aztek: 2001-2003
- โ Century: 2001-2002
- โ Grand Am: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- โ Grand Prix: 2001-2003 (3.1L)
- โ Impala: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- โ Intrigue: 2001-2002
- โ Lumina Car: 2001
- โ Malibu: 2001-2003
- โ Montana: 2001-2002
- โ Monte Carlo: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- โ Regal: 2000-2002
- โ Rendezvous: 2002-2003
- โ Silhouette: 2001-2002
- โ Venture: 2001-2003