Is Your GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a persistent check engine light, unexplained stalling, poor fuel economy, or erratic shifting, the problem might not be a simple sensor. These are classic signs that the brain of your vehicle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is failing. This central computer manages everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points. When it malfunctions, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues. Don’t let a faulty computer keep your reliable GM truck or van off the road. This is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 in the shop that was driving the owner crazy. It would randomly stall at stoplights and had a rough idle that no amount of tune-up parts could fix. He had replaced plugs, wires, the fuel filter, and even the fuel pump. The scanner showed intermittent communication errors, a huge red flag. We suspected the PCM. After installing one of our pre-programmed modules matched to his VIN, the truck fired up and idled perfectly. The stalling was gone, and the throttle response was crisp again. It’s a reminder that sometimes the root cause is the computer itself, not just the parts it controls.
Symptoms of a Failing Powertrain Control Module
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear or returns with various codes.
- ✔ Engine stalling or cutting out unexpectedly, especially when warm.
- ✔ Rough or erratic idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Harsh or delayed automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions or smog test.
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
Why Choose Our Programmed GM PCM 16263494?
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. Many PCMs sold online are blank, requiring expensive trips to a dealership for programming. We eliminate that step. When you purchase from us, we use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) you provide to flash the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from General Motors. This ensures the PCM is perfectly matched to your vehicle’s specific configuration, including engine size, transmission type, and emissions equipment. This process corrects factory bugs and optimizes performance for a true plug-and-play experience, getting you back on the road faster.
Simple & Secure Process
The process is straightforward. After you complete your purchase, simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will handle the programming, and the module will ship directly to you, ready for installation. In most cases, installation is as simple as disconnecting the battery, swapping the modules, and reconnecting the battery. Some vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure (often called a CASE learn or Passlock relearn), which can typically be done without special tools and instructions are widely available.
This module is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. It fits a wide range of popular GM trucks and vans from the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the S10, Blazer, Silverado, Sierra, Express, Savana, and more. Please verify the part number from your original module or consult the detailed fitment list to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is essential because it allows us to program the PCM with the exact software and calibrations for your specific vehicle. This includes engine size, transmission type, gear ratios, and emissions settings, ensuring perfect compatibility and performance right out of the box.
Is this part difficult to install?
For most DIY mechanics, installation is straightforward. It typically involves disconnecting the vehicle’s battery, unplugging the electrical connectors from the old PCM, unbolting it, and then reversing the process with the new one. Some vehicles may require a security relearn procedure afterwards, which can usually be done without special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light and other symptoms are caused by a faulty PCM, then yes, this part will resolve the issue. However, it’s crucial to properly diagnose the problem first, as a check engine light can be triggered by many other components, such as a bad oxygen sensor or a loose gas cap.
What is the difference between a PCM, ECM, and ECU?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) and ECU (Engine Control Unit) typically refer to a computer that only controls engine functions. A PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is a more integrated unit that controls both the engine and the transmission. For the vehicles this part fits, PCM is the most accurate term.
How do I find my original part number?
Your vehicle’s original part number is printed on a sticker directly on the PCM itself. You will need to locate the module in your engine bay (locations vary by model, as shown in the fitment list) and find the service number on the label.