Is Your Astro Van or GM Truck Giving You Headaches?
If you’re dealing with a 1999-2001 Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, or another GM truck from this era, you might be experiencing some frustrating issues. Maybe it’s a crank-no-start condition that leaves you stranded. Perhaps the transmission is shifting harshly, slamming into gear. Or you could be chasing a persistent Check Engine Light with a cluster of bizarre, unrelated codes that just don’t make sense. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen this scenario hundreds of times. More often than not, the culprit is a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM is the brain of your vehicle, managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. Located in the harsh environment of the engine bay, these modules are subjected to constant heat, cold, and vibration. Over 20+ years, the delicate internal circuits and processors can break down, leading to a host of difficult-to-diagnose problems.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM (Part No. 16263494)
When the main computer starts to fail, it can manifest in ways that might lead you to replace perfectly good sensors or other components. If your Astro, S10, Express, or Silverado is showing these signs, your PCM is the likely cause:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, often random, trouble codes (DTCs).
- โ The vehicle cranks but will not start.
- โ Complete loss of communication with your scan tool.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Engine stalling intermittently, especially when warm.
- โ Poor fuel economy and a noticeable drop in engine performance.
- โ The anti-theft or security light stays on, preventing the engine from starting.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a reliable Powertrain Control Module and program it specifically to your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before we ship it. This is a critical step that many sellers skip.
Why is VIN programming so important? It ensures that the module has the correct software and calibrations for your specific engine, transmission, and emissions equipment. We flash it with the latest GM-released updates, which often correct drivability issues and bugs that were present in the original factory software. This process makes installation straightforward, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to a dealership for programming.
After purchase, simply provide us with your VIN, and we’ll handle the rest. The module you receive will be ready to install and, in most cases, will only require a simple security relearn procedure that you can do yourself in your driveway. We provide clear instructions for this process.
Guaranteed Fitment and Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of popular GM trucks and vans. Please verify that your original module has one of the following part numbers printed on the label:
- โ 16263494
- โ 16265035
- โ 8162634940
- โ 218-11787
- โ 21811787
This part is confirmed to fit many vehicles, including the Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, S10/Sonoma, Blazer/Jimmy, Express/Savana vans, Silverado/Sierra pickups, and more. By matching the part number, you can be confident you are ordering the correct component to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability.