Is Your 1997 GM Vehicle Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, erratic shifting, a rough idle, or even a no-start condition in your 1997 Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, or another compatible GM model, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen how a faulty engine computer can turn a reliable car into a source of constant headaches. It’s the central command center for your engine and transmission, and when it fails, the symptoms can be widespread and confusing.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and extra cost out of the repair by programming this module specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. This ensures all communications between the engine, transmission, and other systems are restored to factory specifications with the latest GM software updates available. You get a part that’s precisely matched to your car’s original build, whether it has the standard 3.8L V6 or the potent supercharged version.
What Makes Our 1997 Regal PCM the Right Choice?
Getting your car back to peak performance shouldn’t require a trip to the dealership for expensive programming. Our process is designed for the DIY mechanic and professional alike, delivering a reliable part that works right out of the box.
- โ VIN-Programmed for Your Vehicle: We flash the module with your car’s exact VIN, ensuring it has the correct software for your engine, transmission, and options.
- โ Eliminate Common Drivability Issues: A direct solution for symptoms like harsh shifting, poor fuel economy, stalling, and persistent diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- โ Plug-and-Play Solution: No additional programming or dealer visits are required. Once installed, your vehicle will be ready to go after a simple battery reconnect.
- โ Broad GM Compatibility: This module, equivalent to part numbers 16227797 and 19109047, fits a wide range of popular 1997 GM vehicles.
Real-World Diagnostic Story
“A customer’s 1997 Bonneville SSEi with the supercharged 3.8L came into my shop last month with a complaint of intermittent stalling and a P0336 (Crankshaft Position Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Range/Performance) code. They had already replaced the crank sensor twice with no luck. After confirming the new sensor and its wiring were good, we suspected the PCM. On these 3800 engines, oil leaks from the front cover or oil pressure switch can saturate the crank sensor wiring harness, causing erratic signals that the PCM can’t interpret, eventually damaging the driver circuit inside the module itself. After installing one of our programmed PCMs and advising the customer to fix the oil leak, the car ran perfectly and the code never returned. It’s a classic case where the root cause (oil leak) leads to the failure of a secondary component (the PCM).”
Simple Installation to Get You Back on the Road
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these 1997 GM models, the PCM is located in the engine bay, typically inside the air filter housing assembly. You may need to remove the air filter cover to access it.
- Disconnect the Module: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical connectors from the old PCM. Note their orientation. The levers on the connectors must be fully released before you can pull them out.
- Install the New PCM: Mount the new module in the same location and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Step: Reassemble the air filter housing and reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start.
Vehicle Compatibility Information
This module is a direct fit for the following 1997 models with the specified engine options. Please verify your vehicle is on this list before ordering:
- Bonneville: 3.8L (6-231) with supercharged option
- Camaro: 3.8L (6-231)
- Eighty Eight: 3.8L (6-231) with supercharged option
- Firebird: 3.8L (6-231)
- Grand Prix: 3.8L (6-231) with supercharged option
- Lumina Car: 3.4L (6-207)
- Monte Carlo: 3.4L (6-207)
- Park Avenue: 3.8L (6-231)
- Regal: 3.8L (6-231) with supercharged option
- Riviera: 3.8L (6-231)
Important: After completing your purchase, please send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your order until we have this information to program the module correctly.