Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Vehicle
Is your 1997 Buick Skylark or other GM vehicle suffering from frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, poor fuel economy, or even a no-start condition? The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), often called the ECM, is the electronic brain of your engine and transmission. When it fails, it can cause a wide range of problems that are often misdiagnosed. This replacement Powertrain Control Module is the reliable, straightforward solution to get your vehicle running like new again.
What sets this module apart is our professional programming service. Before we ship your part, we flash it with the latest GM-approved software updates, tailored specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all solution. It ensures perfect communication between your engine’s components and resolves many underlying software bugs that may have existed from the factory. This process eliminates the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming, saving you time and money.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix that came into my bay with a classic, head-scratching problem: it would randomly refuse to start, but only after it was fully warmed up. No check engine light, no obvious cause. After checking fuel pressure, spark, and all the usual suspects, we focused on the PCM. On these older GM platforms, I’ve seen the internal circuit boards develop microscopic cracks that expand with heat, breaking a critical connection. We swapped in a VIN-programmed PCM, and the problem was solved instantly. It’s a textbook example of how a failing module can create intermittent issues that seem impossible to trace.
Common Signs of a Failing PCM
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on, often with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication faults.
- ✔ Your vehicle fails to start or stalls intermittently.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ The engine runs rough, misfires, or hesitates on acceleration.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On most of these 1997 GM models, the PCM is located in the engine bay, often inside the air filter box housing for protection.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the electrical wiring harnesses from the old module. These connectors have locking tabs that need to be released gently to avoid damage.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket or housing.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Secure your new, pre-programmed PCM in place. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
- ✔ Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle is now ready to start. No further programming is required.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16217058 and 16218070. It is guaranteed to fit the following 1997 models:
- ✔ Achieva: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Bonneville: with 3.8L (6-231) Engine (w/o supercharged option)
- ✔ Century: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Cutlass: Supreme models
- ✔ Eighty Eight: with 3.8L (6-231) Engine (w/o supercharged option)
- ✔ Grand Am: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Grand Prix: with 3.1L (6-191) or 3.8L (6-231) Engine (w/o supercharged option)
- ✔ LeSabre: with 3.8L (6-231) Engine
- ✔ Lumina Car: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Monte Carlo: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Regal: with 3.8L (6-231) Engine (w/o supercharged option)
- ✔ Silhouette: with 3.4L (6-207) Engine
- ✔ Skylark: with 3.1L (6-191) Engine
- ✔ Trans Sport: with 3.4L (6-207) Engine
- ✔ Venture: with 3.4L (6-207) Engine
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming myself?
No. This is the biggest benefit of our service. We program the module to your specific VIN before shipping it. It arrives ready for installation, with no special tools or dealer visits required.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship the module until we have this information to perform the programming.
Is this part difficult to install for a DIYer?
Not at all. For most DIYers with basic hand tools, this is a very manageable job. It typically involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging a few connectors, and removing a few bolts. Our installation guide above provides the key steps.
What is the difference between a PCM, ECM, and ECU?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) was the older term. As modules began controlling the transmission and other powertrain functions, the term PCM (Powertrain Control Module) became more common. ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is a more generic term.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty PCM (e.g., internal processor failure code P0601), then yes, this part will resolve the issue. However, you should always properly diagnose the trouble codes to ensure the PCM is the root cause.