Restore Peak Performance to Your Chevy Truck
Is your 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 Pickup running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or refusing to start? A faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the hidden culprit behind these frustrating and complex issues. As the ‘brain’ of your vehicle, the PCM controls everything from fuel mixture and spark timing to transmission shifting. When it fails, it can create a cascade of problems that are difficult to diagnose. This replacement PCM is your direct, reliable solution to get your hardworking truck back on the road with confidence.
This isn’t just a used part pulled from a yard. We take a quality, salvaged OEM computer and professionally program it with the latest GM software updates specific to your truck’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures all factory drivability improvements are applied, restoring the smooth operation and fuel efficiency you expect. By providing us with your VIN at checkout, you receive a unit that is ready for installation, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I had a ’99 Silverado 2500 in my bay that was driving the owner crazy. It had an intermittent no-start condition with no check engine light. The owner had already replaced the battery, starter, and fuel pump. After checking all the basics, I hooked up my scan tool and monitored live data during cranking. I noticed the injector pulse width was erratic, and the ignition control signal would occasionally drop out completely. There were no hard codes, just symptoms. This pointed me straight to the PCM. A failing driver circuit inside the original computer was the root cause. We installed one of these VIN-programmed units, performed the security relearn, and the truck has started reliably ever since. It’s a classic example of how a failing 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 PCM can mimic other component failures.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication errors.
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or rough idling.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and noticeable loss of power.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Seeming failure of multiple sensors at once.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- ✔ Locate the PCM: On most of these trucks, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the fender or firewall.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. Inspect them for any corrosion or damage.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- ✔ Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM into the bracket and securely re-attach the wiring harness connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- ✔ Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn: Your vehicle is equipped with a Passlock/VATS security system. You will likely need to perform a 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 the vehicle will start.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, identified by service number 9355699, is a direct replacement for part numbers 16250279, 09355699, 16266645, 16258815, and 09366810. It is guaranteed to fit a wide range of GM trucks and vans. Please verify your part number or match your vehicle from the list below:
Fits various 1998-1999 models including Chevrolet & GMC 1500/2500/3500 Pickups, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Express & Savana Vans, as well as Astro, Safari, S10/S15 Blazer/Jimmy, Escalade, Bravada, Envoy, and Isuzu Hombre with matching options. A correct 1998-1999 Chevrolet 2500 PCM ensures proper function across these platforms.
Why do you need my VIN?
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN is essential for programming the PCM with the exact software and calibrations for your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and options. This ensures seamless communication and optimal performance, just like the original factory unit.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Almost. The unit comes programmed and ready for installation. However, due to the GM Passlock/VATS anti-theft system, you must perform a simple security relearn procedure after installation. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and does not require any special tools.
What if my original part number is different?
This PCM is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 09355699, 16266645, 16250279, and more. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list and your original module looks physically identical, this unit will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.
Is this a new part?
This is a high-quality, tested computer sourced from a salvaged vehicle. We then flash it with the newest official GM software for your vehicle, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution compared to a new dealership part.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light and associated codes (like P0601, P0606) are caused by an internal failure of the original PCM, then yes, this replacement will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to ensure the problem has been correctly diagnosed before ordering.