Is Your GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
Are you dealing with frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, stalling, poor fuel economy, or a vehicle that just won’t start? These are classic signs that the brain of your vehicle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), may be failing. For a wide range of 1998 and 1999 GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Astro, Express Van, and Suburban, a faulty engine computer can bring your daily driver or workhorse to a grinding halt. Don’t let a bad module keep you off the road. This tested, pre-owned PCM is the reliable and cost-effective solution you need.
The Critical Role of Your 1998 Astro PCM
The PCM is the master controller for your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It takes in data from dozens of sensors—like the oxygen sensors, crankshaft position sensor, and throttle position sensor—and uses that information to make millions of calculations per second. It precisely controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and transmission shift points to ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be widespread and often misdiagnosed, leading to wasted time and money on unnecessary parts.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 1999 Suburban in the shop with an intermittent stalling problem and a check engine light for a faulty O2 sensor. The owner had already replaced the sensor twice with no luck. After hooking up our scanner and monitoring live data, we noticed the fuel trim numbers were erratic and the injector pulse width would suddenly drop to zero, causing the stall. It wasn’t the sensor; it was the driver circuit inside the original PCM that was failing. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, performed the security relearn, and the truck ran perfectly. It’s a classic case where the problem lies with the computer, not the parts it’s controlling.
Is Your GM Truck or Van Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t go away.
- ✔ Engine stalling or cutting out unexpectedly while driving.
- ✔ No-start or hard-start conditions, especially when warm.
- ✔ Rough or erratic idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions or smog test.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
The Simple, Plug-and-Play Solution
Forget expensive trips to the dealership and the hassle of finding a shop that can program a new module. We make the process simple. When you purchase this PCM, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Our technicians will then flash the module with the latest, most up-to-date software directly from GM for your specific vehicle. This ensures perfect compatibility and performance right out of the box. Once you receive it, installation is straightforward. In most cases, it’s a simple bolt-in replacement, and after a standard security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn), your vehicle will be back on the road.
This module, service number 16250279, is a direct replacement for a variety of part numbers, including the common ID 09355699. It fits a huge range of popular GM models from 1998-1999, such as:
- Chevrolet & GMC C/K 1500, 2500, 3500 Pickups
- Chevrolet Tahoe & GMC Yukon
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana Vans
- Chevrolet Astro & GMC Safari Vans
- Cadillac Escalade
- Oldsmobile Bravada, Chevrolet S10 Blazer, GMC S15 Jimmy
- And many more. Please verify your part number or consult the compatibility list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your vehicle’s VIN is essential for us to load the correct factory software onto the PCM. This programming ensures the module communicates properly with your specific engine, transmission, and options package, making the installation seamless and effective.
Is this part difficult to install?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, the installation is typically straightforward. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors, and unbolting the old module to swap in the new one. A security relearn procedure is usually required afterward, which can often be done without special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the PCM, then yes, this part will resolve the issue. However, it’s crucial to properly diagnose the vehicle first, as the light can be triggered by many other components like faulty sensors or wiring.
What is the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ECM (Engine Control Module) typically refers to a computer that only controls engine functions. A PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is more integrated and controls both the engine and the transmission. The modules for these GM vehicles are PCMs.
Is any additional programming needed after I install it?
Because we program the unit to your VIN before shipping, no further flashing is needed. However, you will likely need to perform a security relearn procedure (also known as a CASE relearn or Crankshaft Variation relearn) to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system and crankshaft sensor. This is a standard step for this generation of GM vehicles.