Is Your Workhorse Van Suddenly Unreliable?
If you’re driving a 1998 Chevrolet Express 3500, you know it’s built to be a dependable tool. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, that reliability vanishes. You might be experiencing frustrating issues like a no-start condition, erratic engine behavior, poor fuel economy, or a check engine light that won’t go away. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re problems that can cost you time and money, keeping your van off the road when you need it most.
As the electronic brain of your vehicle, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from the fuel injectors and spark plugs to the automatic transmission’s shift points. After decades of heat, vibration, and millions of commands, the delicate internal circuits can degrade and fail. I’ve seen this hundreds of time in my shop on these GMT600 platform vans and trucks. The symptoms can be intermittent at first, making diagnosis a real headache, but they almost always get worse.
The Direct, No-Hassle Solution
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a quality PCM and program it specifically for your 1998 Express 3500 using your vehicle’s unique VIN. This critical step ensures that the module communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and all other onboard systems. We also load the latest GM-certified software, which can correct many of the original drivability issues and performance bugs that were present from the factory.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you replace your PCM, do yourself a favor and check the main battery cables and engine ground straps. On these late-90s GM trucks and vans, a corroded or loose ground connection (especially the one from the engine block to the frame) can cause all sorts of bizarre electrical issues that mimic a bad PCM. I’ve saved customers hundreds of dollars by finding a $10 bad cable. A quick check with a multimeter for voltage drop can confirm your grounds are solid. If they are, and the symptoms persist, the PCM is the next logical step.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM:
If your Express 3500 is showing any of these signs, a failing computer is a very likely culprit. Don’t let a faulty module leave you stranded.
- โ Check Engine Light is on with communication error codes.
- โ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ A noticeable drop in fuel mileage.
- โ Stalling, stumbling, or rough idling for no apparent reason.
- โ The anti-theft or security light stays on, preventing startup.
Plug-and-Play Installation
Forget about expensive trips to the dealership for programming. Because we handle the VIN programming before we ship, installation is straightforward. Simply disconnect the battery, swap out the old module, and reconnect everything. Your van will be back in service with its operational brain fully restored.
This module is a direct replacement for the following part numbers:
- โ 09355699
- โ 16250279
- โ 09366810
Please verify the part number on your original module to ensure compatibility, or provide us with your VIN and we can confirm the fitment for you. Get your dependable work van back on the road with a solution you can trust.