Restore Peak Performance to Your Truck or Van
Is your Isuzu Hombre, Chevy S10, or GMC Sonoma suddenly stalling, shifting erratically, or refusing to start? Are you battling a persistent Check Engine Light that just won’t go away? Before you resign yourself to a massive repair bill from the dealership, consider the heart of your vehicle’s engine management system: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution, programmed with the latest GM software specifically for your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures that once installed, your engine and transmission operate exactly as the manufacturer intended, restoring lost power, fuel economy, and reliability.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom PCM Failure
I once had a 1999 GMC Jimmy in the bay with all the classic signs of a dead PCM—no communication with the scan tool, no-start, the works. The customer had already bought a module online, but it didn’t fix the issue. Before condemning his new part, I went back to basics. On these GM platforms, the ground connection for the PCM, often located on or near the thermostat housing, is notorious for corroding. Sure enough, a few minutes with a wire brush on the ground point and the engine fired right up with the original PCM. My advice: Always check your main power and ground connections to the PCM before replacing it. A 10-minute check can save you hundreds of dollars.
Is Your Truck Showing These Signs of a Failing PCM?
A faulty PCM can cause a wide range of confusing symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need. Over my 20 years in diagnostics, these are the most common indicators I’ve seen for a PCM failure on this platform.
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for internal module failure, such as P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0605 (Read Only Memory Error).
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or engine hesitation.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire.
- ✔ Poor fuel mileage.
- ✔ Failure to communicate with a diagnostic scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the PCM on these vehicles is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. Our pre-programming service means you won’t need a trip to the dealer for software flashing, saving you time and money.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the PCM: On most S-series trucks (Hombre, S10, Blazer, Jimmy), the PCM is located in the engine bay on the right-hand (passenger) side fender wall. On vans (Express, Savana), it’s typically in the left-rear of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical harness connectors from the old module. They are often color-coded, but it’s a good idea to note their positions.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the harness connectors back into the new module. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (If Necessary): In some cases, a simple security relearn procedure is needed. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times before starting the engine. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the exact procedure.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans. We guarantee compatibility when you provide your VIN. This part is a confirmed match for the following vehicles and part numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787.
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SAVANA 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
ASTRO 00-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
GMC 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
S10/S15/SONOMA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L
SAVANA 1500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
ASTRO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), (4.3L), ID 16263494
ISUZU HOMBRE 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L (6 cylinder)
SAFARI (GMC) 99-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
TAHOE 00 Electronic Control Module; Classic style (LH front engine compartment)
YUKON 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
ESCALADE 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
ESCALADE 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
S10/S15/SONOMA 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-262 (4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
YUKON 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), Denali
BRAVADA 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
GMC 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
ISUZU HOMBRE 98 Electronic Control Module; 4.3L (6 cylinder), w/extended build date opt ZN4
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SAVANA 2500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SUBURBAN 1500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
GMC 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SUBURBAN 2500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 1500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
TAHOE 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
BRAVADA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
ENVOY 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
GMC 2500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
Why do you need my VIN?
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to load the exact, correct software calibration from GM for your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. This ensures perfect compatibility and performance, eliminating any guesswork.
Is this module difficult to install?
No, this is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic with basic hand tools. Since we program the module before shipping, you do not need any special electronic tools. Just disconnect the battery, swap the modules, and reconnect. See our installation guide above for more details.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal PCM failure (like DTC P0601), then yes, this will resolve the issue. However, if the light is on for another reason (like a bad oxygen sensor), you will still need to repair that separate problem.
What’s the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) typically just controls engine functions. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) controls both the engine and the automatic transmission. For this vehicle, it is a PCM.