Restore Your Vehicle’s Brain and Get Back on the Road with Confidence
Is your Oldsmobile Alero or other GM vehicle acting up? Experiencing frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, rough idling, stalling, or a complete no-start condition? The problem often lies with a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer that manages your engine’s performance. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty PCM can cause a cascade of problems that are often misdiagnosed. This isn’t just a part; it’s the command center for your engine, and getting a reliable replacement is critical.
This isn’t just any replacement module. We take the guesswork and dealer-level expense out of the equation. Each 2001-2003 Alero Powertrain Control Module is professionally flashed with the latest official GM software updates. We use your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to ensure the programming is a perfect match. This means when you receive the part, it’s ready for installation, saving you the time, cost, and hassle of a trip to the dealership for programming. It’s the most direct path to a reliable, long-term fix.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Heat-Sensitive Grand Am
I remember a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am with the 3.4L V6—a car that shares its core electronics with the Alero—that was driving its owner crazy. It would run perfectly fine for about 20 minutes, but as soon as the engine bay got hot, it would stall at stoplights and refuse to restart for half an hour. The owner had already replaced the crank sensor and fuel pump with no luck. When it got to my bay, I let it run until it stalled. My professional scan tool lost communication with the PCM the moment it died. After letting it cool, communication was restored. This classic heat-soak failure pointed directly to the internal circuitry of the PCM breaking down under thermal stress. A new, properly programmed module like this one solved the problem permanently. It’s a textbook example of why you can’t just throw parts at a problem; you need the right, quality-tested component.
Common Signs of a Failing GM PCM
- ✔ Your Check Engine Light is on, often with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication errors.
- ✔ The engine cranks but won’t start, or starts and immediately stalls.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ The engine runs rough, misfires, or hesitates during acceleration.
- ✔ Intermittent issues that seem to appear and disappear, sometimes related to temperature.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the PCM on these vehicles is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. Our pre-programming service handles the most complex part for you. Follow these general steps for a successful installation.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the Module: On the Alero and Grand Am, the PCM is typically found in the center of the dashboard, accessible by removing the glove box. On many other listed models, it’s located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the air filter housing.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove the electrical wiring harness connectors from the old module. These connectors have locking tabs that must be released before pulling. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old PCM: Unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed 2001-2003 Alero Powertrain Control Module in place and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: In some cases, a security relearn procedure may be necessary, which typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the specific steps if required.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 12202600, is a direct replacement for several original part numbers, including 12209614 and 09360210. It is guaranteed to fit the following GM vehicles with the specified options. Please provide your VIN upon purchase to ensure perfect programming.
- Oldsmobile Alero: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- Oldsmobile Aurora: 2001-2002 (3.5L)
- Oldsmobile Intrigue: 2001-2002
- Oldsmobile Silhouette: 2001-2002
- Pontiac Aztek: 2001-2003
- Pontiac Grand Am: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- Pontiac Grand Prix: 2001-2003 (3.1L)
- Pontiac Montana: 2001-2002
- Buick Century: 2001-2002
- Buick Regal: 2000-2002
- Buick Rendezvous: 2002-2003
- Chevrolet Impala: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- Chevrolet Lumina Car: 2001
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2001-2003
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 2001-2003 (3.4L)
- Chevrolet Venture: 2001-2003
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
When you purchase, you provide us with your car’s 17-digit VIN. We use this number to load the exact, correct software and calibrations from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and other systems, just like the original part from the factory.
Do I need to do anything else after installing this PCM?
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
When you purchase, you provide us with your car’s 17-digit VIN. We use this number to load the exact, correct software and calibrations from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and other systems, just like the original part from the factory.
How do I send you my VIN?
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
When you purchase, you provide us with your car’s 17-digit VIN. We use this number to load the exact, correct software and calibrations from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and other systems, just like the original part from the factory.
Is this a reliable, long-term solution?
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
When you purchase, you provide us with your car’s 17-digit VIN. We use this number to load the exact, correct software and calibrations from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and other systems, just like the original part from the factory.
My original part number is 12209614. Will this part work?
What do you mean by ‘VIN Programmed’?
When you purchase, you provide us with your car’s 17-digit VIN. We use this number to load the exact, correct software and calibrations from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and other systems, just like the original part from the factory.