Is Your 1999-2000 Tahoe or GM Truck Giving You Headaches?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating Check Engine Light, unpredictable stalling, a rough idle, or poor fuel economy in your Chevrolet Tahoe, you’re not alone. After more than 20 years in the garage, I’ve seen these exact symptoms hundreds of times on this generation of GM trucks and vans. The culprit is often the very brain of your vehicle: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
From the Shop Floor: Why These PCMs Fail
The PCM, also known as the ECM or engine computer, is the master controller for your engine and transmission. It manages everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points. The original modules in these late 90s and early 2000s vehicles have endured millions of heat cycles and vibrations. Over time, this stress causes internal components to fail. Microscopic cracks form in solder joints, and internal capacitors can leak, leading to erratic signals or complete failure. This isn’t damage you can see, but it creates chaos for your vehicle’s drivability.
Expert Pro Tip: Check This Before You Buy!
Before you condemn your PCM, I always tell my customers to do a ‘wiggle test.’ With the engine running, carefully wiggle the PCM connectors and wiring harness. If the engine stumbles or stalls, you may have a wiring or connector pin issue, not a bad module. Also, use a multimeter to verify you have solid power and ground signals at the PCM connector. A bad ground can perfectly mimic a failed computer and is a much cheaper fix. I’ve seen this simple diagnostic step save people hundreds of dollars in my shop.
The Guaranteed Solution: A VIN-Programmed Replacement PCM
This replacement PCM, part number 16263494, is the definitive solution to restore your truck’s reliability. The most critical service we provide is programming the module to your vehicle’s specific 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before we ship it. This is not an optional step; without it, the vehicle will not run correctly due to mismatched security information and vehicle-specific parameters.
- โ No Dealership Visit Needed: We handle the complex programming for you, saving you the time, hassle, and high cost of a dealership appointment.
- โ Latest GM Software: Your module arrives flashed with the most recent GM calibration updates. These updates often correct factory-known drivability issues, improving performance and reliability beyond the original state.
- โ True Plug-and-Play Installation: Because the module is pre-programmed for your exact vehicle, installation is straightforward. In most cases, you simply swap the part and you’re ready to go.
- โ Restores Original Performance: Get your truck running the way it was meant to, with proper fuel delivery, crisp ignition timing, and smooth transmission shifts.
Simple Installation & Wide Compatibility
Installation is a job most DIYers can handle. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal first. On a 1999-2000 Tahoe, Yukon, or pickup, the PCM is typically located on the driver’s side inner fender in the engine bay. On Express and Savana vans, it’s often at the rear of the engine compartment. Simply unbolt the old unit, disconnect the wiring harnesses, and install the new one in its place. After installation, a simple security relearn procedure may be required, which takes about 30 minutes and does not require any special tools.
To ensure compatibility, please match the part number from your original module’s sticker. This PCM, part number 16263494, is a direct, interchangeable replacement for several other service numbers, including: 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, and 21811787. While this is a popular part for the Tahoe, it fits a massive range of GM vehicles from that era. Please use our fitment guide or contact us with your VIN to confirm it’s the right part for your truck or van.