Restore Your Vehicle’s Brainpower and Get Back on the Road
Dealing with a finicky engine, a persistent check engine light, or a car that just won’t start can be incredibly frustrating. If your 1997 Pontiac Bonneville or another compatible GM vehicle is suffering from erratic behavior, the root cause is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer, it manages everything from fuel delivery and spark timing to transmission shifting. When it falters, your vehicle’s performance and reliability suffer. This replacement PCM, part number 16217058, is the definitive solution to restore your car’s proper function.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Unlike sourcing a part from a salvage yard that requires expensive dealership programming, this module arrives at your door ready for installation. We use your vehicle’s VIN to flash it with the latest, most stable GM software updates. This ensures seamless communication between the engine, transmission, and other onboard systems, delivering a reliable, long-term fix. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a restoration of your vehicle’s core operational integrity.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a ’97 Buick Regal (which uses this exact same PCM) with a complaint that stumped two other shops: intermittent stalling at stoplights, but with no check engine light. Scans showed no current codes. In my experience, these older GM PCMs can develop internal heat-related failures on the circuit board that don’t always set a specific code immediately. After confirming fuel pressure and ignition components were solid, I focused on the 1997 Bonneville PCM‘s behavior. By monitoring live data, I saw the injector pulse width drop to zero just before it would stall. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, and the problem was solved instantly. The old module’s internal processor was failing under load, a classic symptom these parts exhibit over time.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your engine computer needs attention:
- ✔️ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔️ Stalling, sputtering, or rough idling
- ✔️ The engine cranks but will not start
- ✔️ Poor fuel economy and decreased engine power
- ✔️ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔️ Communication error codes (U-codes) with a scan tool
- ✔️ Internal module failure codes, such as P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error)
- ✔️ Intermittent issues that get worse as the engine warms up
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the PCM on these vehicles is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. Our pre-programmed module makes it even simpler.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these models, the PCM is located inside the air filter box. You will need to remove the air filter assembly to access it.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. They are color-coded and keyed, so they can only go back on one way. Avoid forcing them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Seat your new, pre-programmed PCM into the mounting bracket and secure it. Reconnect the wiring harnesses—you should hear a confident ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Final Steps: Reinstall the air filter assembly and reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start. No further programming is required.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM is a direct-fit replacement for part numbers 16217058 and 16218070. It is guaranteed to fit the following 1997 models with the specified options:
- ✔️ Achieva: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Bonneville: 1997 (3.8L V6, w/o supercharger)
- ✔️ Century: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Cutlass: 1997 (Supreme models)
- ✔️ Eighty Eight: 1997 (3.8L V6, w/o supercharger)
- ✔️ Grand Am: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Grand Prix: 1997 (3.1L V6 or 3.8L V6, w/o supercharger)
- ✔️ LeSabre: 1997 (3.8L V6)
- ✔️ Lumina Car: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Monte Carlo: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Regal: 1997 (3.8L V6, w/o supercharger)
- ✔️ Silhouette: 1997 (3.4L V6)
- ✔️ Skylark: 1997 (3.1L V6)
- ✔️ Trans Sport: 1997 (3.4L V6)
- ✔️ Venture: 1997 (3.4L V6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 1997 Bonneville PCM require any additional programming?
No. We program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before shipping. It arrives ready to install, with no need for a trip to the dealership or a special scan tool.
What information do you need from me?
After you complete your purchase, we will need your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures we load the correct GM-certified software for your car’s specific engine, transmission, and options.
Where is the PCM located on my vehicle?
On most of the compatible 1997 GM models, the PCM (or ECM) is found inside the engine bay, housed within the air cleaner assembly box for protection.
Is this a guaranteed fix for my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal PCM failure (like code P0601) or a fault the PCM itself is responsible for, then yes, this will resolve it. However, a check engine light can be caused by many other components, so proper diagnosis is always recommended.
What if I have a different part number on my old module?
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16217058 and 16218070. If your module has a different number, please contact us to ensure compatibility before ordering.