Is Your GM Truck or Van Suddenly Unreliable?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating no-start condition, a check engine light that won’t go away, erratic shifting, or stalling issues on your late 90s or early 2000s GM vehicle, the problem often points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from fuel delivery and spark timing to transmission shift points. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and intermittent problems that can be a nightmare to diagnose.
Over my 20 years in the shop, I’ve seen hundreds of these specific PCMs fail. The constant heat cycles under the hood, combined with engine vibration, eventually cause internal solder joints and electronic components to break down. This isn’t a matter of if, but when.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated with various communication or sensor codes.
- ✔ The engine cranks but will not start.
- ✔ Unexpected stalling while driving or at idle.
- ✔ Harsh or delayed automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Noticeably poor fuel economy.
- ✔ A/C compressor not engaging.
- ✔ No communication with a scan tool.
Expert Pro Tip: Don’t Get Fooled by a Bad Ground
Before condemning your PCM, I always tell my customers to check the basics first. On these GM trucks and vans, a corroded or loose ground wire (especially the main one from the battery to the frame and engine block) can mimic PCM failure. I’ve seen it dozens of times. A 10-minute check with a wire brush and a wrench can save you hundreds of dollars. If your grounds are clean and tight and the problems persist, the PCM is the next logical culprit.
The Right Solution: A Properly Programmed PCM
You can’t just grab a used module from a junkyard and expect it to work. These PCMs are programmed specifically to the original vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Installing an unprogrammed or incorrectly programmed module will, at best, not work and, at worst, create even more issues due to conflicts with the anti-theft system (VATS/Passlock) and incorrect vehicle options.
This is a reliable, tested Powertrain Control Module that eliminates the guesswork. We solve the biggest hurdle for you:
- ✔ VIN-Programmed for You: After your purchase, simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN. We will flash the module with the latest, most up-to-date GM factory software specific to your truck or van. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and all factory options.
- ✔ Direct-Fit Replacement: This module is a direct physical replacement for the original, ensuring a straightforward installation. It’s designed to fit and function just like the factory part.
- ✔ Restores Performance: A new, correctly programmed PCM restores crisp shifting, stable idling, and proper engine performance, resolving those frustrating drivability issues.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is the correct service replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans. If your original module has part number 16263494, or one of the interchangeable numbers like 16265035, 8162634940, or 218-11787, this is the correct part for you. It fits dozens of models including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Express, Savana, and more from this era. The key is matching the part number to ensure you’re getting the right hardware for your vehicle.
Installation is typically straightforward. In most cases, it involves disconnecting the battery, removing a few bolts to swap the module, and reconnecting the battery. Some vehicles may require a simple, no-tool security relearn procedure, which we can provide instructions for. Get your vehicle running right again with a solution you can trust.