Is your 1997 GM vehicle running rough, stalling, or showing a persistent check engine light? The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your engine and transmission, is often the culprit. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We are providing a high-quality PCM, flashed with the latest GM software updates and programmed specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures perfect communication between all your car’s systems, restoring the performance and reliability you expect.
Over my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen countless owners and technicians chase down phantom issues, replacing sensors and spark plugs, only to find the PCM was the root cause all along. A faulty module can cause a cascade of confusing symptoms. This unit eliminates the guesswork and the need for expensive dealership programming. It’s ready to install right out of the box, getting you back on the road quickly and confidently.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- âś” Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication faults.
- âś” Unexplained stalling or engine hesitation.
- âś” Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- âś” A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- âś” The engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- âś” Failure to pass an emissions or smog test.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 1997 Bonneville SSEi with the supercharged 3.8L that came into the bay on a tow truck. The owner said it would randomly die and then refuse to restart for hours. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a history of random sensor faults. We checked fuel pressure, spark, and all the usual suspects—everything looked fine. On a hunch, I tapped the PCM with a screwdriver handle while my apprentice cranked the engine. It fired right up. A hairline crack on the circuit board, likely from years of heat cycles, was causing an intermittent open circuit. A replacement, programmed 1997 Grand Prix PCM (the Bonneville uses the same family of modules) had it running perfectly in under an hour. It’s a classic failure mode on these otherwise bulletproof GM vehicles.
Plug-and-Play Installation: Get Back on the Road Fast
- âś” Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- âś” Locate the PCM: On most of these vehicles, the PCM is located inside the air filter box. You will need to remove the air filter assembly to access it.
- âś” Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. Inspect them for any corrosion or damage.
- âś” Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- âś” Install the New Module: Seat your new, pre-programmed PCM into the bracket and secure it. Reconnect the wiring harnesses until they click securely in place.
- âś” Perform Security Relearn: Reconnect the battery. You will likely need to perform a simple security relearn procedure. Typically, this involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeating this cycle three times. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the exact steps.
- âś” Start the Engine: Once the relearn is complete, start the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the computer to adapt.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 16227797 (also interchangeable with 19109047), is a direct-fit replacement for the following 1997 models:
- Bonneville: with 3.8L (6-231) Supercharged engine
- Camaro: with 3.8L (6-231) engine
- Eighty Eight: with 3.8L (6-231) Supercharged engine
- Firebird: with 3.8L (6-231) engine
- Grand Prix: with 3.8L (6-231) Supercharged engine
- Lumina Car: with 3.4L (6-207) engine
- Monte Carlo: with 3.4L (6-207) engine
- Park Avenue: with 3.8L (6-231) engine
- Regal: with 3.8L (6-231) Supercharged engine
- Riviera: with 3.8L (6-231) engine
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the module with the exact software and calibrations your car had from the factory, plus any available GM updates. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and options package, making installation seamless.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Yes, for the most part. Because we program it to your VIN, it eliminates the need for dealer tools. However, on these GM vehicles, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation, which is a simple process that takes about 30 minutes and requires no special tools.
Will this fix my car’s hard shifting problem?
A failing PCM is a very common cause of erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and other transmission issues, as it controls the electronic solenoids. While not a guarantee for every situation, replacing a faulty PCM often resolves these problems and restores smooth shifting.
What if my original part number is 19109047?
This module is fully compatible and serves as a direct replacement for part number 19109047. The internal hardware and software capabilities are identical for your vehicle’s application.