Restore Peak Performance and Reliability to Your Truck
Is your trusty GMC 3500 suddenly plagued by a persistent check engine light, erratic shifting, or a frustrating no-start condition? These are classic signs that the brain of your vehicle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is failing. Don’t let a faulty computer sideline your workhorse. This direct-replacement PCM, flashed with the latest GM software and programmed specifically to your truck’s VIN, is the definitive solution to get you back on the road with confidence and power.
Signs Your Engine’s Brain Needs Help
A failing PCM can cause a cascade of confusing problems. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consider a replacement:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with communication codes (e.g., P0600, P0601, P0605).
- ✔ Rough or unpredictable engine idle.
- ✔ Harsh or delayed automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ A sudden, unexplained drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Stalling or hesitation during acceleration.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
Guided Installation for a Confident Fix
Replacing your PCM is a straightforward job you can tackle in your own driveway. We’ve made it as simple as possible with our VIN programming service. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the Old Module: On most of these trucks, the PCM is located in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side fender well or near the battery.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses. They have locking tabs that may need to be gently pried up. Once disconnected, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. You should hear a click as they lock into place.
- Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal and tighten it.
- Final Steps: In some cases, a simple security relearn procedure is needed. This usually involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. This allows the new PCM to sync with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
An Expert’s Note: Back on the Job in an Hour
“I had a contractor, David, call me in a panic. His ’99 Sierra 3500 dump truck was dead in a customer’s driveway. It would crank but never fire. After he checked for fuel and spark, all signs pointed to the PCM. He was worried about towing costs and days of lost work. I sent him this VIN-programmed unit overnight. The next morning, he called back, ecstatic. He swapped it out in under 30 minutes, the truck fired right up, and he was back to work by 9 AM. That’s the power of a part that’s ready to go right out of the box—it doesn’t just fix a vehicle, it saves your day.”
Guaranteed Compatibility for Your GM Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16250279, 09366810, and 09355699. It is engineered to fit a wide range of GM trucks, vans, and SUVs. Please verify your part number or contact us to ensure this is the correct 1998-1999 GMC 3500 PCM for your application. Fitment includes:
- Cadillac Escalade: 1999
- Chevrolet/GMC Pickups (1500, 2500, 3500): 1998-1999 (Gasoline engines)
- Chevrolet/GMC Vans (Express, Savana 1500, 2500, 3500): 1998 (Gasoline engines)
- Chevrolet/GMC Suburban & Tahoe/Yukon: 1998-1999 (Gasoline engines)
- Chevy Astro / GMC Safari: 1998-1999
- Chevy S10 / GMC Sonoma, S15 Jimmy / S10 Blazer, Olds Bravada, Isuzu Hombre: 1998 (4.3L V6)
- GMC Envoy: 1998
By providing us with your VIN upon purchase, you guarantee a perfect software match, restoring the precise engine and transmission logic your vehicle had when it left the factory. This is the key to a lasting, trouble-free repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this part ready to install when I receive it?
Yes! This is the core of our service. We flash the module with the latest GM-certified software and program it using the VIN you provide. This makes the installation process as close to plug-and-play as possible, saving you a trip to the dealership.
How do I give you my vehicle’s VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we receive and process this information.
Will I need to perform a security relearn procedure?
On many GM vehicles of this era, a security relearn (also known as a Passlock or VATS relearn) is necessary to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. It’s a simple procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes and does not require special tools.
My original part number is 09366810. Will this work?
Absolutely. This module is a fully compatible replacement for part numbers 16250279, 09366810, and 09355699. As long as your vehicle is on the fitment list, this module will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.
Could a bad PCM really cause my transmission to shift poorly?
Yes. The Powertrain Control Module controls both the engine and the transmission. It dictates shift points, line pressure, and torque converter lockup. A failing module can often be misdiagnosed as an internal transmission problem, making this a critical first step in diagnostics.