Is Your Late-90s GM Truck or SUV Running Rough? The PCM Is A Likely Culprit.
As a tech with over two decades of experience under the hoods of these classic GM trucks, I’ve seen it all. If your 1998-1999 Tahoe, Suburban, C/K Pickup, or Express Van is suddenly giving you headaches, chances are the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the source of your frustration. These vehicles are legendary for their durability, but after 25+ years of heat, vibration, and countless electrical cycles, the original computer often reaches the end of its service life.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
A failing PCM doesn’t always result in a simple no-start condition. The symptoms can be intermittent and baffling, often leading owners and even some shops to replace perfectly good sensors and parts. In my bay, I’ve seen these modules cause issues like:
- โ Check Engine Light that won’t go away, sometimes with communication error codes (U-codes).
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Unexplained engine stalling, especially after warming up.
- โ A crank-but-no-start situation where you have spark and fuel pressure, but no injector pulse.
- โ Inaccurate or dead gauges on the instrument cluster.
- โ Poor fuel economy and a general lack of power.
A Real-World Scenario from My Shop
“A customer’s 1999 Tahoe came in last week on a tow truck. It would crank all day but wouldn’t fire up. He had already replaced the fuel pump, ignition coil, and crank sensor himself. After confirming he had good fuel pressure and spark, I hooked up my professional scan tool. It couldn’t communicate with the PCM. That’s a classic sign. We located the PCM on the driver’s side inner fender, verified its power and ground connections were good, and condemned the module. A replacement, programmed PCM like this one had his truck running perfectly in under an hour (including the security relearn). He spent hundreds on parts he didn’t need before finding the real problem.”
The Definitive Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Don’t keep throwing parts at your truck. This Powertrain Control Module is the direct, reliable solution to get your vehicle back on the road. The most significant benefit is our professional programming service. Before we ship the module, we use your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to load the latest, most stable software calibration from General Motors. This isn’t a generic file; it’s specific to your truck’s engine, transmission, and emissions equipment.
- โ No Dealer Visit Required: This module arrives ready to install. No need to pay for expensive dealership programming or towing fees.
- โ Latest GM Software: We flash the unit with factory updates that can resolve old drivability bugs, improve shift points, and enhance engine performance.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: By programming to your VIN, we ensure a perfect electronic match for your vehicle’s systems.
- โ Plug & Play Installation: Simply disconnect the battery, swap the modules, and reconnect. For most of these vehicles, the final step is a simple security relearn procedure you can do yourself in about 10-15 minutes right in your driveway.
Verifying Your Part Number
To ensure a perfect match, please check the service tag on your existing module. This unit is a direct replacement for the following GM part numbers:
- โ 16250279
- โ 09366810
- โ 09355699
This PCM fits a massive range of 1998 and 1999 GM vehicles, including the Escalade, Sierra, Yukon, Safari, Astro, S10 Blazer, and many more. Please see the detailed fitment list to confirm your specific model. After purchasing, simply provide us with your 17-digit VIN, and we’ll handle the rest.