Restore Your Vehicle’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
If your 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is suffering from frustrating issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent Check Engine Light, or a no-start condition, the culprit is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how a faulty PCM can cripple an otherwise solid vehicle. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central computer that manages your engine’s performance, fuel delivery, and transmission functions. This replacement PCM, part number 16218070, is the reliable, straightforward solution to bring your car back to life.
We take the guesswork and high cost out of the repair. Before this module ships, we program it with the latest GM software updates specifically for your car using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means it arrives ready to install, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It’s the most efficient way to solve complex electronic issues and restore the smooth, reliable operation you depend on.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Transmission Problem
I once had a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix in the bay with a 3.8L engine that the owner swore had a bad transmission. It would shift hard intermittently and sometimes refuse to go into overdrive. We checked fluid levels, solenoids, and scanned for transmission codes—nothing conclusive. After hours of diagnostics, we decided to look closer at the PCM. On a hunch, we connected a scope and saw the PCM was sending erratic voltage signals to the transmission control solenoids. We swapped in a correctly programmed PCM, and the ‘transmission problem’ vanished instantly. It’s a classic case I’ve seen dozens of times; a failing PCM can mimic a major mechanical failure, making a proper diagnosis essential.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error), P0605, or P0606.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Stalling, rough idling, or hesitation during acceleration.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions inspection.
A Straightforward Guide to Your 1997 Lumina PCM Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electronic work.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On most of these GM vehicles, the PCM is located in the engine bay, often inside the air filter housing for protection.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves; use a small flathead screwdriver to gently release the locking tabs if needed.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Secure your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the mounting bracket.
- ✔ Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Final Step: In some cases, a security or crank relearn procedure may be necessary. This can often be done without special tools. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeat two more times before attempting to start the vehicle.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16218070 and 16217058. It is guaranteed to fit the following 1997 models with the specified options:
- ✔ Achieva: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Bonneville: (6-231, 3.8L), w/o supercharged option
- ✔ Century: (6-191, 3.1L)
- ✔ Cutlass: Supreme
- ✔ Eighty Eight: (6-231, 3.8L), w/o supercharged option
- ✔ Grand Am: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Grand Prix: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Grand Prix: 6-231 (3.8L), w/o supercharged option
- ✔ LeSabre: (6-231, 3.8L)
- ✔ Lumina Car: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Monte Carlo: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Regal: (6-231, 3.8L), w/o supercharged option
- ✔ Silhouette: (6-207, 3.4L)
- ✔ Skylark: 6-191 (3.1L)
- ✔ Trans Sport: (6-207, 3.4L)
- ✔ Venture: (6-207, 3.4L)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything after I purchase?
Yes. After your order, you must provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We need this to program the module with the correct software for your specific car, ensuring it works perfectly upon arrival.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Because we program it to your VIN, it is as close to plug-and-play as possible. In some cases, a simple, tool-free security relearn procedure (detailed in our installation guide) is required.
Will this fix my transmission shifting problems?
A failing PCM is a very common cause of erratic shifting, failure to shift, and other transmission issues on these models. While we can’t guarantee it will fix every problem, it is a very likely solution for electronically-controlled shifting faults.
What makes this better than a used one from a junkyard?
A used module will not be programmed for your vehicle’s VIN and options, and it won’t have the latest GM software updates. Our modules are tested, cleaned, and programmed to your specific car, saving you time, money, and the headache of a dealer visit.
Does this fit vehicles with a supercharged 3.8L engine?
No. As noted in the fitment list, this module is specifically for the naturally aspirated (non-supercharged) versions of the 3.8L V6 engine.