Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your 1998-1999 GMC Savana 3500 van, or another compatible GM vehicle, suffering from perplexing issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent check engine light, or a no-start condition? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the electronic brain of your vehicle. A faulty PCM can disrupt everything from fuel delivery and ignition timing to transmission operation, leaving you with an unreliable and inefficient vehicle. This genuine, used OEM PCM, part number 16258815, is the definitive solution to get your workhorse back on the road, running smoothly and dependably.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and high costs out of the repair process. Upon purchase, simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN. Our technicians will then program the module with the latest official GM software updates specific to your vehicle’s configuration. This critical step ensures that the PCM communicates flawlessly with all other onboard systems, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It arrives at your door ready for a straightforward, plug-and-play installation.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 1999 Chevy Express 2500 come into the shop with a ghost of a problem. The owner, a contractor, said it would run perfectly for 20-30 minutes and then suddenly stall at a stoplight. It would always restart after a few minutes of cooling down. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil with no luck. We hooked up our scanner and saw no hard codes, but we noticed the data stream would go haywire right before it stalled. On a hunch, we used a heat gun on the PCM located in the engine bay. Within a minute, the engine stumbled and died. The internal circuits were failing under heat soak. We installed one of our VIN-programmed PCMs, and the van has been running reliably for him ever since. It’s a reminder that intermittent electrical issues often point directly to the vehicle’s central computer.
Diagnosing Your 1998-1999 Savana PCM Failure
The PCM is a robust component, but over time, exposure to heat, vibration, and electrical fluctuations can cause internal failure. If you’re experiencing a combination of the symptoms below, there’s a strong possibility your PCM is the culprit. Replacing it is often the most effective way to solve these deep-seated electronic issues and prevent further damage to other components like the transmission or catalytic converter.
Common Symptoms of a Faulty PCM
- ✔ Check Engine Light: The light is on, and you may have codes related to module communication (U-codes) or multiple, unrelated sensor codes.
- ✔ Engine Stalling: The engine stalls unexpectedly, either while driving or at idle, often becoming more frequent as the engine warms up.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks but refuses to start, even with a good battery and fuel supply.
- ✔ Poor Fuel Economy: A sudden and unexplained drop in your vehicle’s gas mileage.
- ✔ Rough or Erratic Idle: The engine idles poorly, surging or nearly stalling.
- ✔ Harsh or Failed Shifting: The automatic transmission shifts hard, slips between gears, or gets stuck in one gear (limp mode).
- ✔ Failed Emissions Test: The vehicle cannot pass a smog check due to PCM-related errors.
A Reliable and Cost-Effective Repair
This unit is a genuine OEM part sourced from a salvaged vehicle, ensuring perfect fitment and compatibility. Unlike many aftermarket alternatives that can cause new, unforeseen issues, this module is the same type that your vehicle was built with. By providing your VIN, we ensure this 1998-1999 Savana PCM is a direct-fit, plug-and-play replacement, saving you hundreds of dollars in diagnostic and programming fees at a repair shop or dealership. This module is compatible with a wide range of GM trucks and vans from 1998-1999, including the Chevrolet Express, Suburban, Tahoe, C/K Pickups, and GMC Yukon, Safari, and Sierra models. Please verify your original part number matches one of the compatible numbers (09355699, 16266645, 16250279, 16258815, 09366810) to ensure a perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to provide my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the PCM with the exact software and calibrations for your vehicle’s specific engine, transmission, and options. This makes the unit plug-and-play and ensures it works correctly right out of the box.
Is this part difficult to install?
Installation is straightforward for someone with basic mechanical skills. It typically involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors from the old PCM, unbolting it, and then installing the new one in reverse order. Since it comes pre-programmed, no further steps are needed.
What is the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) traditionally controlled only engine functions. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is a more modern term for a module that controls both the engine and the transmission. For this vehicle, it is a PCM.
Is this a new or used part?
This is a high-quality, tested, genuine OEM part that has been sourced from a salvaged vehicle. We ensure it is fully functional before programming and shipping it to you.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of your original PCM, then yes, this replacement will resolve the issue. However, if the light is on due to a faulty sensor or other component, that part will still need to be addressed.