End Engine Frustration and Restore Your Ride’s Reliability
Is your Chevrolet Cavalier, S10, or Malibu giving you headaches with a persistent check engine light, rough idling, or unpredictable stalling? A failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a common cause for these frustrating issues, leaving you with an unreliable vehicle and constant worry. This replacement engine computer is your direct, hassle-free solution. We professionally program it to your vehicle’s specific VIN using the latest GM software, ensuring it works correctly right out of the box. Get back on the road with confidence and restore the smooth, dependable performance you need.
Common Symptoms & Your Direct Solution
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty PCM is the likely culprit. This pre-programmed unit is designed to resolve these exact problems:
- Erratic or harsh transmission shifting
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- Failure to start or intermittent starting issues
- Check Engine Light (CEL) with communication error codes (e.g., P0601, P0605, P0606)
- Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
By replacing your old module with this correctly programmed unit, you’re not just swapping a part; you’re providing a fresh set of instructions for your vehicle’s most critical systems. This is the definitive fix for a failing computer, restoring communication between your engine and transmission for optimal performance. The 1997-1999 Cavalier PCM 16245305 is the brain of your vehicle, and this replacement ensures it’s operating at its best.
Features & Benefits
- âś” VIN-Specific Programming: We flash the module with your vehicle’s exact VIN and the newest GM software updates, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
- âś” Plug-and-Play Installation: Arrives ready to install. Simply disconnect the battery, swap the modules, and reconnect. No complicated procedures required.
- âś” Resolves Common Drivability Issues: Engineered to correct problems like poor idling, hard shifting, and false sensor codes caused by a faulty original PCM.
- âś” Broad GM Compatibility: A direct replacement for service numbers 16245305, 16228016, and 8162280160, fitting a wide range of cars and trucks (see fitment list).
- âś” Restored Fuel Efficiency: Ensures your engine receives the correct fuel and air mixture, helping to bring your MPG back to factory specifications.
- âś” Reliable Performance: This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty.
Expert Insight: The ‘Bad Transmission’ That Wasn’t
We once worked with a customer who owned a ’98 Chevy S10. He was convinced his transmission was failing due to incredibly harsh shifts and was quoted over $2,000 for a replacement. As a last resort, he described the symptoms to us. We recognized them immediately as classic signs of a failing PCM. The computer was sending bad signals to the transmission solenoids. He ordered our pre-programmed 1997-1999 Cavalier PCM 16245305, installed it in under 20 minutes, and his truck started shifting like it just rolled off the factory floor. He saved a fortune by correctly diagnosing the electronic brain, not the mechanical body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any additional programming after installation?
No. This PCM comes fully programmed to your VIN and is ready for installation. In some cases, a security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn) may be necessary, which can typically be done without special tools. Instructions are widely available online for this simple process.
How do I provide you with my vehicle’s VIN?
After you complete your purchase, we will contact you via email to request your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your part until we receive this information, as the programming is essential for the part to function.
Is this the correct part for my vehicle?
Please review the detailed fitment list on this page. This part is a direct replacement for service numbers 16245305, 16228016, and 8162280160. Matching one of these numbers on your original module is the best way to ensure compatibility.
What if my original part number is different?
GM often uses several service numbers for the same compatible part. As long as your vehicle is on the fitment list and your original module carries one of the compatible service numbers mentioned (16245305, 16228016, 8162280160), this unit will work correctly.
Will this fix my specific check engine light codes?
This replacement 1997-1999 Cavalier PCM 16245305 is designed to resolve internal module faults, which often cause codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication errors. However, you should always diagnose and repair any underlying sensor or wiring issues before replacing the PCM to ensure a complete fix.