Restore Your Vehicle’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
Is your 1996 GM vehicle suffering from perplexing issues like stalling, erratic shifting, or a persistent check engine light? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer of your car. A faulty PCM can make your vehicle unreliable and frustrating to drive. This professionally programmed engine computer is the definitive solution, designed to restore the smooth performance and dependability you expect from your car.
Common Symptoms & Your Solution
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways, often mimicking other part failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty PCM is the likely culprit:
- Engine stalling or cutting out intermittently
- Harsh or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting
- A no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- Poor fuel economy and reduced engine power
- Check Engine Light with communication error codes (like U-codes) or multiple false sensor codes
Instead of chasing down individual sensor issues or paying for expensive diagnostic time at a dealership, this pre-programmed 1996 Bonneville PCM provides a direct and effective fix. It arrives flashed with the latest GM software updates and coded specifically to your vehicle’s VIN, ensuring a seamless and correct repair.
Features & Benefits
- โ VIN-Programmed for Your Vehicle: We flash this module using your car’s specific Vehicle Identification Number. This guarantees perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and factory options, eliminating any guesswork.
- โ Plug & Drive Installation: No need for expensive dealer-specific tools or additional programming. Simply disconnect the battery, swap the module, and reconnect. It’s a straightforward process designed to get you back on the road quickly.
- โ Solves Complex Drivability Problems: Engineered to correct issues stemming from an internal computer failure, such as rough idling, poor performance, and communication errors that can be difficult to diagnose.
- โ Broad GM Compatibility: This unit is a direct replacement for service numbers 88963800, 16211539, and 16231853, covering a wide range of popular 1996 GM sedans, coupes, and minivans.
- โ Backed by Our Guarantee: This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty, giving you confidence and peace of mind in your purchase.
Expert Insight: The Critical Role of VIN Programming
In mid-90s vehicles like yours, the PCM isn’t just a generic part. It’s tailored to the exact specifications of the car it came from. A module from another vehicle, even the same model, might have different programming for the transmission, emissions equipment, or even the gear ratio. That’s why providing your VIN is essential. We don’t just send you a part; we deliver a component that is digitally matched to your car’s DNA, ensuring all systems communicate and operate exactly as the factory intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this programmed by a dealer?
No. This module arrives at your door fully pre-programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. It is ready for installation right out of the box, saving you a trip to the dealership and additional programming fees.
What information do you need from me?
After you place your order, we simply need your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can usually find this on your dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on your vehicle’s registration or insurance card.
Is this a difficult part to install?
For most of the compatible vehicles, the installation is straightforward. It typically involves disconnecting the negative battery terminal, unplugging the electrical connectors from the old PCM, unbolting it, and then reversing the process with the new unit. Some vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure, which can be done without any special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If your check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the existing computer, this 1996 Bonneville PCM is the correct solution. However, it is always best to have the trouble codes read to ensure the issue isn’t a faulty sensor or wiring problem elsewhere in the vehicle.
Which part numbers does this module replace?
This PCM is a direct, compatible replacement for GM service numbers 88963800, 16211539, and 16231853. If your original unit has one of these numbers, this part will work for you.