Is Your Work Van Suddenly Unreliable?
If you’re dealing with a 1998 GMC Savana 2500 that won’t start, shifts erratically, or has a persistent Check Engine Light that no amount of parts-swapping seems to fix, the problem often lies deeper than a simple sensor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer of your vehicle, is a common failure point on these workhorses. After decades of heat, vibration, and countless electrical cycles, the internal components can break down, leading to frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose issues.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Scenario
“A contractor brought his ’98 Savana 2500 into my shop last week, completely stumped. The van would crank but not start, and when it did run, it shifted hard and felt powerless. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and a couple of sensors. After hooking up my high-end scan tool, I found what I suspected: no communication with the PCM. The brain was offline. This is a textbook failure for these modules. We installed one of our pre-programmed units, and the van fired right up and ran perfectly. Itโs a repair Iโve done hundreds of times on these GM trucks and vans.”
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Don’t waste time and money guessing. This is a direct-fit replacement Powertrain Control Module for a wide range of 1998-1999 GM vehicles. The most critical part of this service is that we program the module specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ever leaves our facility. This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all unit. It arrives loaded with the latest factory software from GM, ensuring it communicates perfectly with your engine, transmission, and all related systems right out of the box.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- โ No-start or intermittent starting condition
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- โ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, unrelated, or communication-related trouble codes (DTCs)
- โ Poor fuel economy and engine performance
- โ Inability for a scan tool to communicate with the PCM
- โ Stalling for no apparent reason
Why VIN Programming is Essential
In the past, replacing a PCM meant towing your vehicle to a dealership for expensive programming. Our process eliminates that step entirely. By providing us with your VIN during checkout, you receive a module that is truly plug-and-play. It has the correct calibration for your specific engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. This ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity.
Installation is Straightforward
For most vehicles like the Savana, Express, and full-size pickups, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the battery or air filter box. Simply disconnect the vehicle’s battery, carefully unplug the large electrical connectors from your old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Reconnect the connectors and the battery, and you’re ready to go. No special tools or dealer visits are required.
Verify Your Part Number
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers. To ensure compatibility, please check the sticker on your current PCM. This unit is compatible with the following service numbers:
- โ 16250279
- โ 09366810
- โ 09355699
This part is the reliable, long-term solution to get your trusted GM truck or van back on the road and working as hard as you do. Restore your vehicle’s performance and dependability today.