Is Your GM Truck or Van Running Rough? It Could Be The PCM.
If you’re behind the wheel of a late 90s or early 2000s GM truck like a Yukon, Tahoe, or Silverado, you know it’s a workhorse. But when it starts acting upโstalling at stoplights, shifting erratically, or throwing a check engine light that won’t go awayโit’s incredibly frustrating. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood of these exact vehicles, one of the first places I look is the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the computer that serves as the brains of your engine and transmission.
Over the years, the constant heat cycles and vibrations in the engine bay take their toll on the delicate internal circuits of the original PCM. I’ve diagnosed hundreds of these failures. The symptoms can be maddeningly intermittent at first, making you think you’ve fixed it, only for the problem to return. This isn’t just a part failure; it’s a breakdown in the central command of your vehicle.
The Technician’s Solution: A Reliable, Pre-Programmed PCM
Replacing the PCM used to mean buying the part, installing it, and then having your truck towed to a dealership for expensive programming. That’s no longer the case. This replacement PCM, part number 16263494, is the definitive solution to get your truck running right again, without the dealership hassle.
Hereโs what makes our process different and, frankly, better for you:
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: After your purchase, you provide us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We then flash the module with the latest, most stable software release from General Motors for your specific vehicle. This isn’t a generic file; it’s the precise calibration your truck was designed to have, often correcting drivability issues the original software had.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Because the module arrives programmed, the installation is straightforward. You disconnect the battery, unbolt the old PCM, plug in the new one, and reconnect the battery. For most of these trucks and SUVs, you’ll find it in the engine compartment, typically on the driver’s side fender.
- โ Restored Performance: A new, correctly programmed PCM can solve a host of issues, restoring smooth idle, crisp transmission shifts, and proper fuel delivery. It’s the key to bringing back that reliable performance you depend on.
Expert Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Relearn Procedures
After installing your new PCM, your vehicle will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure to recognize the new module. It typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. This allows the Passlock/Passkey system to sync with the PCM. Additionally, for optimal performance and to clear certain misfire codes (like P1336), a Crankshaft Variation (CASE) Relearn is recommended. While some home mechanics can do this with a high-end scan tool, your local trusted repair shop can perform it quickly.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, ensuring a perfect match. If your original module has any of the following numbers, this is the correct part for you:
- โ 16263494
- โ 16265035
- โ 8162634940
- โ 218-11787
- โ 21811787
This PCM fits a wide range of GM vehicles, not just the Yukon. Please verify your part number and check the detailed fitment list to ensure it’s the right component for your specific truck, van, or SUV. Getting the right part, programmed correctly the first time, is our commitment to you.