Is Your GM Truck or Van Running Rough?
If you’re behind the wheel of a late 90s or early 2000s GM truck or van, you know they’re built to last. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, it can feel like the vehicle is possessed. You might be experiencing frustrating issues like unexplained stalling, harsh or erratic transmission shifting, a persistent check engine light with a host of confusing codes, or even a complete no-start condition. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re symptoms of a failing vehicle brain.
Over my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen hundreds of these classic GM workhorses come in with these exact problems. The PCM, often called the ECM or engine computer, is the master controller for your engine and transmission. After decades of heat cycles, vibrations, and electrical stress, the delicate internal circuits can degrade, leading to unpredictable and unreliable performance.
A Real-World Diagnosis
A customer’s ’99 Chevy Tahoe came in last week with these exact symptoms. It would die at stoplights and occasionally refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil with no luck. After connecting my scan tool, I noticed intermittent communication loss with the PCM. That’s a classic red flag. We confirmed all power and grounds to the module were solid, which pointed directly to an internal PCM failure. This is a diagnostic path I’ve followed more times than I can count on this specific GM platform.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Don’t waste time and money chasing phantom issues or installing a used module from a junkyard that will have the wrong VIN and likely the same age-related problems. This is a dependable replacement PCM, service number 16263494, that arrives at your door ready for installation. The critical difference is our process: we flash the module with your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before we ship it.
This isn’t just about matching a number. Programming the PCM with your VIN ensures it communicates seamlessly with the other modules in your vehicle, like the anti-theft system (Passlock/VATS). We also load the very latest software calibrations from General Motors. These updates often correct drivability quirks and improve performance beyond what the original factory software could do.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 16263494 PCM:
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or engine cutting out while driving
- ✔ Harsh or delayed transmission shifting
- ✔ No-start or intermittent starting problems
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, often unrelated, codes
- ✔ Poor fuel economy
- ✔ Failure to communicate with a diagnostic scan tool
- ✔ Apparent sensor failures (e.g., TPS, MAF) even after replacing the sensor
Why Choose Our Programmed Module?
- ✔ No Dealer Visit Required: This module is programmed for your VIN, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
- ✔ Plug & Play Installation: In most cases, you can simply disconnect the old module and connect this new one. A security relearn procedure may be necessary, which is a simple process you can do yourself.
- ✔ Latest GM Software: We flash the unit with the newest updates, ensuring optimal engine and transmission performance.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: By using your VIN, we ensure a perfect match for your vehicle’s specific options and systems.
- ✔ Direct Replacement: This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, and 21811787.
To get your truck or van running right again, simply place your order and provide us with your VIN. Our technicians will handle the programming, and we’ll ship a module that’s ready to restore your vehicle’s reliability. It’s the most straightforward and effective way to solve these complex electronic issues.