Is Your 1999-2000 GM Truck or SUV Running Rough? The PCM Could Be the Culprit.
If your Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or another compatible GM vehicle from that era is experiencing frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, poor fuel economy, erratic shifting, or even a no-start condition, the problem often lies with a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer of your vehicle, the PCM is responsible for managing everything from the fuel injectors and ignition timing to the transmission shift points. When it begins to fail, it can cause a cascade of problems that are often misdiagnosed, leading to costly and unnecessary repairs.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
This replacement Powertrain Control Module is the definitive solution to get your vehicle back on the road and running like new. Forget the hassle and expense of towing your vehicle to a dealership. We provide a simple, effective alternative: a fully tested PCM that is professionally programmed to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ever leaves our facility. This ensures that the module is a perfect match for your vehicle’s factory settings and options. By flashing it with the latest GM-approved software updates, we also ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control, addressing any known bugs from the original programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2000 Chevy Express van come in with a complaint of harsh, unpredictable shifting and a check engine light for a transmission solenoid code. The owner had already replaced the solenoid twice at another shop with no success. After hooking up our scanner, we noticed the data from the PCM was inconsistent. The commands being sent to the transmission were lagging. Instead of diving back into the transmission, we swapped in a known-good, correctly programmed PCM. The shifting issues vanished instantly, and the code never returned. It’s a classic case of a failing computer mimicking a mechanical failure, which is why starting with a reliable PCM is so critical.
Key Symptoms of a Failing 1999-2000 Tahoe PCM
- ✔ Check Engine Light: The light is on, and you may have codes related to engine, transmission, or communication errors (U-codes).
- ✔ Poor Engine Performance: Noticeable loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, engine stumbling, or random stalling.
- ✔ Erratic Shifting: The transmission may shift harshly, get stuck in one gear (limp mode), or shift at the wrong times.
- ✔ Reduced Fuel Economy: A failing PCM can’t efficiently manage the air-fuel mixture, causing your vehicle to consume more gasoline.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks but won’t start because the PCM isn’t controlling the spark or fuel delivery correctly.
- ✔ Communication Failures: Your diagnostic scan tool may be unable to connect with the PCM.
Installation is Simple
Because this module arrives programmed to your VIN, the physical installation is straightforward. Simply disconnect the battery, locate your old PCM (typically in the engine bay), unplug the electrical connectors, unbolt it, and swap in the new one. After reconnecting the battery, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock or VATS relearn), which can typically be done in your driveway without any special tools. Instructions for this procedure are widely available online for your specific model.
Guaranteed Fitment & Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for several original equipment part numbers, ensuring broad compatibility across a range of GM trucks, vans, and SUVs. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below and that your original part number is a match. After purchase, you must provide your VIN so we can ensure perfect programming.
Compatible Part Numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
ASTRO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), (4.3L), ID 16263494
ASTRO 00-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
BRAVADA 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
BRAVADA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
ENVOY 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
ESCALADE 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
ESCALADE 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 2500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
GMC 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
ISUZU HOMBRE 98 Electronic Control Module; 4.3L (6 cylinder), w/extended build date opt ZN4
ISUZU HOMBRE 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L (6 cylinder)
S10/S15/SONOMA 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-262 (4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
S10/S15/SONOMA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L
SAFARI (GMC) 99-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
SAVANA 1500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SUBURBAN 1500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
SUBURBAN 2500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
TAHOE 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
TAHOE 00 Electronic Control Module; Classic style (LH front engine compartment)
YUKON 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
YUKON 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), Denali
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything after installing this PCM?
Because the module is pre-programmed to your VIN, no further programming is required. However, on many GM vehicles of this era, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure (VATS/Passlock) to sync the module with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This is a simple procedure that takes about 30 minutes and does not require special tools.
How do I provide my VIN number?
After you complete your purchase, please send us a message with your 17-digit VIN. We cannot program and ship your module until we receive this information. The VIN is typically found on your driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
What if my original part number isn’t an exact match?
This module replaces several part numbers, including 16263494 and 16265035. As long as your vehicle model and year are on our compatibility list and your original part number is listed as compatible, this module will work. The VIN programming ensures it functions correctly for your specific application.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty PCM, then yes, this part will resolve the issue. It’s important to have your vehicle scanned for codes before ordering to confirm the problem is likely related to the computer. This PCM will resolve internal processor faults and driver circuit errors within the module itself.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Yes, this is designed to be as close to plug-and-play as possible. Once you perform the security relearn procedure after the physical installation, your vehicle should start and run correctly with no further action needed.