Restore Your Vehicle’s Performance and Reliability
Are you struggling with a 1996 Buick Skylark, Cavalier, or S10 that just won’t run right? Frustrating issues like a persistent Check Engine Light, sudden stalling, a rough idle, or a complete no-start condition often point directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Don’t let a faulty computer keep you off the road. This professionally programmed PCM is the simple, reliable, and direct solution to get your vehicle running smoothly again.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM & Your Direct Solution
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty engine computer is the likely culprit. This unit is the definitive fix for:
- Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- Engine stalling or cutting out unexpectedly
- Rough or erratic idling
- A no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- Poor fuel economy and engine performance
- Transmission shifting problems
- Error codes related to the PCM itself (e.g., P0601, P0605)
We take the guesswork out of the repair. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and we will flash this module with the latest GM-certified software specifically for your car. This ensures that your new 1996 Buick Skylark PCM is a perfect match, ready for a straightforward installation.
Features & Benefits
- โ Plug & Play Installation: Arrives pre-programmed to your specific VIN. No need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: Flashing the unit to your VIN ensures it works perfectly with your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and options.
- โ Latest GM Software: Programmed with the newest updates to correct original factory bugs and optimize engine efficiency and performance.
- โ Solves Annoying Issues: The most reliable way to fix persistent electronic and performance problems, restoring your vehicle to its factory-fresh state.
- โ Peace of Mind Guarantee: This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty.
Expert Insight: The “Ghost in the Machine” Fixed
“We had a customer with a ’96 Sunfire that had a maddening intermittent no-start problem. It would run fine for weeks, then refuse to start for a day. They had replaced the battery, starter, and fuel pump to no avail. The issue was a classic sign of a failing PCM with internal connections that were breaking down when temperatures changed. A scan tool couldn’t even communicate with it when it was acting up. We sent them a pre-programmed 1996 Buick Skylark PCM, they swapped it in, and the problem vanished instantly. It’s a perfect example of how this single component can be the root of so many confusing issues, and how a properly programmed replacement is the only true fix.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a PCM?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the central computer of your vehicle. It controls all aspects of the engine and transmission, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and shift points, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Is this part difficult to install?
Installation is typically straightforward for someone with basic mechanical skills. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors from the old PCM, unbolting it, and then installing the new one in the reverse order. It’s usually located in the engine bay or under the dashboard.
Do I need to do anything after I install it?
In many cases, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (also known as a CASE relearn or Passlock relearn) to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This procedure can typically be done without special tools and instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot program and ship your module without it.
Will this fit cars other than the Buick Skylark?
Yes. This PCM is compatible with a wide range of 1996 GM models, including the Chevrolet Cavalier, S10, Corsica, Beretta, Century and the Pontiac Sunfire, Grand Am, and Oldsmobile Achieva and Ciera. Please check the fitment list on this page to confirm compatibility.
What if my original part number is 16215830?
This module is a direct replacement for both part numbers 16231851 and 16215830. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list, this unit will work perfectly once programmed to your VIN.