Is Your GM Truck or Van Suddenly Unreliable?
If your late-90s Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Tahoe, or Suburban is experiencing baffling issues like stalling at stoplights, hard starting, erratic shifting, or a persistent Check Engine Light, the problem often points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer for your engine and transmission, its failure can bring your vehicle to a grinding halt. I’ve seen it hundreds of times in my 20+ years as a technician: a perfectly good engine crippled by a faulty electronic brain.
Don’t let a bad module keep your work van or family SUV off the road. This is a reliable, used OEM PCM that has been meticulously tested and is ready for installation. The best part? We handle the most difficult step for you. This module will be professionally programmed with the latest GM software updates, matched specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ships. This eliminates the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
Your Direct Solution for Common PCM Failures
A failing 1998-1999 Express 2500 PCM can manifest in numerous ways. Here are some of the most common symptoms I’ve diagnosed in the shop:
- โ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- โ Engine stalls intermittently, especially when coming to a stop or at idle.
- โ Harsh or delayed automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Drastic decrease in fuel economy for no apparent reason.
- โ Check Engine Light on with communication error codes (like P0601 or P0605).
- โ Inaccurate or non-functioning dashboard gauges.
A Technician’s Real-World Experience
“A customer’s ’99 Suburban came in last week with these exact symptoms. It would die at every red light, and the transmission felt like it was slipping. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs with no luck. After a quick scan, I found a P0601 ‘Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error’. Before condemning the PCM, I checked the main power and ground pins at the module’s connectorโthey were solid. That confirmed the PCM itself had failed internally. We installed one of these VIN-programmed units, performed the security relearn, and the truck ran like it was new again. It’s a fix I’ve performed on countless GM trucks of this era.”
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
We make this repair as straightforward as possible. By programming the module to your VIN, we ensure it’s ready to communicate with your vehicle’s other systems right out of the box. While installation is simple, a security relearn procedure may be necessary, which can typically be done in your driveway without special tools.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these trucks and vans, 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 module. Inspect them for any corrosion or bent pins.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt the old PCM and secure the new one in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses into your new PCM and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (without starting) for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle 3 times. On the fourth try, the vehicle should start and run, with the security light off.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 16266645, 09355699, 16250279, 16258815, and 09366810. It is compatible with a wide range of 1998-1999 GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet/GMC C/K 1500/2500/3500 Pickups, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Express/Savana Vans, Cadillac Escalade, and more. Please verify your part number or use the compatibility chart to ensure a perfect fit.