Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 Pickup running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or throwing confusing check engine light codes? As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times. Often, the culprit is a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your vehicle. When it falters, everything from fuel economy to transmission shifting can go haywire, leaving you stranded and frustrated. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that needs a reliable solution.
This is a dependable, tested OEM PCM that provides a direct-fit solution. Sourced from a salvaged vehicle, each unit is thoroughly inspected before being programmed with the latest GM factory software updates specific to your vehicle’s VIN. This critical step ensures seamless communication with your engine, transmission, and other onboard systems—a benefit you won’t get from a generic, un-programmed module from a junkyard. By ordering this 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 PCM, you’re getting a cost-effective repair that restores factory performance without the high cost and hassle of a dealership visit.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Stall Case
I once had a ’99 Suburban in the bay that was a real head-scratcher. The owner had been to two other shops for a random stalling issue that never set a consistent code. It would run fine for days, then die at a stoplight. After checking fuel pressure, spark, and all the usual suspects, I hooked up a lab scope to the PCM outputs. I discovered the injector driver circuit inside the original PCM was intermittently failing when it got hot. We swapped in a tested, correctly programmed PCM just like this one, and the problem was solved for good. It’s a reminder that sometimes the issue lies within the brain itself, and a quality replacement is the only true fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Signs of PCM Failure?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with communication error codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0605 (Internal Control Module Read Only Memory (ROM) Error).
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Your vehicle stalls for no apparent reason, either while driving or at idle.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ The engine misfires or runs poorly, even after replacing plugs and wires.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions inspection due to PCM-related faults.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 PCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth installation.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent any accidental power surges.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these trucks and vans, the PCM is located in the engine compartment, typically on the driver’s side (LH) inner fender or near the battery.
- Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully unclip and disconnect all wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. These connectors have locking tabs; be gentle to avoid breaking them. Note their colors or positions if they are not keyed differently.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket. It’s usually held in by a few bolts or nuts.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses back into the correct ports on the new PCM. You should hear a click as they lock into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (If Required): For many GM vehicles of this era, a simple security relearn procedure is needed. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then turn it ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle three times. On the fourth try, the vehicle should start.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This module is a direct replacement for service number 09355699 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your part number or match your vehicle from the list below. This part is interchangeable with numbers: 16266645, 9355699, 16250279, 16258815, 09366810, and 9366810.
– 1998-1999 Chevrolet/GMC 1500, 2500, & 3500 Pickups (Gasoline)
– 1998-1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 & 2500 (Gasoline)
– 1998-1999 Chevrolet Tahoe & GMC Yukon (Gasoline)
– 1999 Cadillac Escalade
– 1998-1999 Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana 1500, 2500, & 3500 Vans (Gasoline)
– 1998 Chevrolet Astro & GMC Safari
– 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada (w/o build date opt ZN4)
– 1998 Chevrolet S10, GMC S15/Sonoma (4.3L, w/o build date opt ZN4)
– 1998 Chevrolet Blazer S10 & GMC Jimmy S15 (w/o build date opt ZN4)
– 1998 Oldsmobile Envoy (w/o build date opt ZN4)
– 1998 Isuzu Hombre (4.3L, w/o extended build date opt ZN4)
This is the definitive solution for your vehicle’s engine management problems. By purchasing a pre-programmed 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 PCM, you are choosing a reliable, simple, and effective path to getting your workhorse back on the road where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘programmed to my VIN’ mean?
It means we load your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the latest GM software onto the PCM before shipping. This ensures the module works correctly with your specific engine, transmission, and options, just like a new one from the dealer.
Do I need to do anything after installation?
In most cases, you will need to perform a simple ‘security relearn’ procedure, which takes about 30 minutes and requires no special tools. We include instructions for this process. This syncs the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit VIN. You can typically find this on your vehicle’s dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
Is a used PCM a reliable part?
Absolutely. These are original equipment (OEM) parts built to GM’s rigorous standards. Unlike some aftermarket parts, they are designed for longevity. We test each unit to ensure it’s fully functional before programming and shipping.
How do I know if my current PCM is part number 09355699?
You can check the sticker on your existing PCM. It is typically located in the engine compartment. If the number matches 09355699 or any of the interchangeable part numbers listed, this module is a correct fit.
Will this fix my specific problem?
If your vehicle’s issues are caused by a faulty PCM, this part is the solution. It’s designed to resolve problems like no-start conditions, erratic performance, and specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to internal module failure.