Restore Your Vehicle’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
Is your 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada or another GM truck/van running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer of your vehicle. A faulty PCM can wreak havoc on everything from fuel economy and transmission shifting to basic engine stability. In my 20+ years of diagnostics, I’ve seen countless vehicles sidelined by what seems like a complex electrical gremlin, when the root cause was a failing engine computer. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reliability issue that needs a solid fix.
This is a dependable, tested, and VIN-programmed replacement PCM that solves those frustrating problems. We take a quality, used OEM computer and flash it with the latest official GM software specific to your vehicle’s VIN. This means you get a part that is ready to install right out of the box—no expensive trips to the dealership for programming are necessary. By providing us with your VIN at checkout, you ensure this 1998 Bravada PCM arrives as a true plug-and-play solution, restoring the precise performance your vehicle had when it left the factory.
Is Your Vehicle Exhibiting These Failure Signs?
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light illumination.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in memory, especially internal module errors like P0601, P0602, or P0606.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start intermittently.
- ✔ Rough or unstable idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ The vehicle stalls for no apparent reason, sometimes after warming up.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Heat-Soaked S10
A customer brought in a ’98 Chevy S10 with the 4.3L V6—mechanically very similar to the Bravada. The complaint was a classic head-scratcher: it started perfectly cold, but after a 20-minute drive, if you shut it off, it wouldn’t restart for at least an hour. No codes were present initially. After letting it run in the bay to replicate the issue, it finally stalled and wouldn’t start. I noticed the fuel pump wasn’t priming during the no-start condition. My experience pointed me away from the pump itself and toward its control source: the PCM. On these older GM platforms, I’ve seen the internal circuit board of the PCM develop micro-fractures. When the module gets hot from engine bay temperatures (a condition called heat soak), these fractures expand and break the circuit. Once it cools, the connection is restored. We swapped in a VIN-programmed PCM, and the problem was solved permanently. This is a common failure mode that this replacement part directly addresses.
A Straightforward Guide to Your PCM Replacement
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On the 1998 Bravada and similar models (Blazer, Jimmy), the PCM is typically located in the engine bay, often on the passenger side near the firewall or fender. On vans like the Express/Savana, it may be in the rear engine compartment.
- ✔ Disconnect the Harnesses: Carefully unclip and remove all electrical wiring harnesses connected to the old PCM. These connectors have locking tabs that need to be released gently.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket. There are usually a few small bolts holding it in place.
- ✔ Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and secure it with the bolts.
- ✔ Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses back into the correct sockets on the new module. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn (If Needed): In many cases, the vehicle will start right up. However, some GM vehicles of this era require a simple security relearn procedure. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times before starting the engine. Your vehicle’s manual will have the specific steps.
By choosing this pre-programmed 1998 Bravada PCM, you’re not just buying a part; you’re buying a complete, cost-effective solution that gets you back behind the wheel with confidence. It’s the smart, simple way to fix a complex problem.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This module is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, including 09355699, 16266645, 16250279, 16258815, and 9366810. It fits a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your model and options below.
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 98-99 (Gasoline)
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 98-99 (Gasoline)
EXPRESS 1500/2500/3500 VAN 98-99 (Gasoline)
GMC 1500 PICKUP 98-99 (5.0L, 5.7L)
GMC 2500 PICKUP 98-99 (Gasoline)
GMC 3500 PICKUP 98-99 (Gasoline)
SAVANA 1500/2500/3500 VAN 98-99 (Gasoline)
OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 98 (4.3L, w/o build date opt ZN4)
CADILLAC ESCALADE 99
CHEVROLET ASTRO 98
CHEVROLET BLAZER S10 98 (w/o build date opt ZN4)
CHEVROLET S10 PICKUP 98 (4.3L, w/o build date opt ZN4)
GMC ENVOY 98 (w/o build date opt ZN4)
GMC JIMMY S15 98 (w/o build date opt ZN4)
GMC SAFARI 98
GMC SONOMA 98 (4.3L, w/o build date opt ZN4)
ISUZU HOMBRE 98 (4.3L, w/o extended build date opt ZN4)
SUBURBAN 1500/2500 98-99 (Gasoline)
TAHOE/YUKON 98-99 (Gasoline)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the PCM with the exact factory software and calibrations for your specific vehicle. This includes engine size, transmission type, and other options, ensuring perfect compatibility and performance without any additional programming.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
No, this is designed to be a straightforward DIY repair. Since the module comes pre-programmed, the physical replacement is simple. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the old PCM, unbolting it, and installing the new one. Most customers with basic tools can complete the job in under an hour.
What does ‘used’ mean for this part?
This PCM is a genuine OEM part carefully sourced from a salvaged vehicle. Each unit is inspected and tested before being professionally programmed with the latest GM software for your VIN. This provides a reliable and affordable alternative to a brand-new dealer part.
Will I need to do a ‘security relearn’ procedure?
It’s possible. Many GM vehicles of this era have a Passlock or other anti-theft system that may require a simple relearn procedure after the PCM is replaced. This can typically be done without special tools and instructions are widely available online or in your owner’s manual.
What if I have a different part number on my old PCM?
This module, ID 9355699, is the correct service replacement for several part numbers, including 09355699, 16266645, 16250279, 16258815, and 9366810. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list, this programmed module will function correctly.