Essential component of the PAM complex, a complex required for the translocation of transit peptide-containing proteins from the inner membrane into the mitochondrial matrix in an ATP-dependent manner. In the complex, it is required to regulate activity of mtHSP70 (hsp70-5) via its interaction with tim14/pam18. May act by positioning tim14/pam18 in juxtaposition to mtHSP70 at the translocon to maximize ATPase stimulation (By similarity). Heterodimer with tim14/pam18. Component of the PAM complex, at least composed of hsp70-5/ssc1, grpe/mge1, tim44, un-4/pam16, pam17 and tim14/pam18 (By similarity). The J-like region, although related to the J domain does not stimulate ATPase activity of mtHSP70. It nevertheless mediates the heterodimerization with the J domain of PAM18 and is therefore essential for PAM complex function (By similarity). Belongs to the TIM16/PAM16 family.