Is Your 1998-1999 GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If your trusty GMC 3500, Chevy Suburban, or Express Van is suddenly giving you headaches, the problem might be deeper than a simple sensor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the central computer of your vehicle, managing everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points. When it starts to fail, it can cause a host of confusing and frustrating issues that are often misdiagnosed.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnostic
“A customer’s 1999 GMC 3500 with the 5.7L came in last week with a ghost-in-the-machine problem. It would randomly stall at stoplights and sometimes refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. We checked fuel pressure, spark, and all the usual suspectsโeverything looked fine. No consistent codes were stored, just a history of random communication errors. After spending hours chasing wires, we swapped in a known-good PCM. The problem vanished instantly. The original module’s internal processors were failing intermittently under heat soak, a classic failure I’ve seen on hundreds of these late 90s GM vehicles.”
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a bad PCM can mimic other problems. Before you start replacing expensive sensors and parts, check if your vehicle is showing these classic signs of PCM failure:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with communication-related trouble codes (U-codes) or no codes at all.
- โ The engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- โ Unexplained stalling, especially after the engine has warmed up.
- โ Harsh, erratic, or delayed transmission shifting.
- โ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- โ The anti-theft or security light stays on, preventing the engine from starting.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: Programmed For Your Vehicle
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your workhorse off the road. This Powertrain Control Module is the reliable, straightforward solution you need. The biggest challenge with replacing a PCM has always been the expensive programming required at a dealership. We solve that problem for you.
When you purchase this module, we flash it with the latest official GM software calibration specifically for your vehicle. All you have to do is provide us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout. This ensures that when the part arrives, it’s ready for installation right out of the box. No extra tools, no trip to the dealer, no hidden fees.
Key Features & Benefits:
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We load the correct software for your truck’s engine, transmission, and options, ensuring perfect compatibility.
- โ Latest GM Updates: Your new PCM comes with all factory-issued software improvements, often correcting driveability issues present in the original programming.
- โ Direct-Fit Replacement: Guaranteed to be a perfect physical match for service part numbers 16250279, 09366810, and 09355699.
- โ Restored Performance: Fixes poor running conditions, restores proper shifting, and gets your truck back to its dependable factory state.
Installation & Compatibility
On most 1998-1999 GM full-size trucks and vans, the PCM is located in the engine bay on the driver’s side. Installation is typically straightforward, requiring basic hand tools. Simply disconnect the battery, unplug the electrical connectors from the old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Once the battery is reconnected, your vehicle will be ready to go.
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of popular GM models from 1998-1999, including the Chevrolet/GMC C/K 1500, 2500, & 3500 pickups, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Express/Savana vans, and more. Please verify your original part number or use the compatibility chart to ensure this is the correct part for your specific vehicle.