Is Your GM Truck or Van Acting Possessed? Let’s Talk About the Brain.
If your 1999-2001 Astro, Express Van, or Silverado is suddenly giving you fits—like a no-start condition out of the blue, erratic shifting, or a check engine light that just won’t quit—you’re likely dealing with a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen this exact scenario play out hundreds of times. These vehicles are workhorses, but their electronics don’t last forever. The PCM is the central computer, the ‘brain’ that controls everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shift points. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be confusing and seem unrelated.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM (Part No. 16263494)
Before you start throwing expensive sensors at the problem, see if these issues sound familiar. A faulty PCM is often the root cause if you’re experiencing:
- ✔ A harsh Check Engine Light that appears and disappears randomly.
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start, even with good fuel pressure and spark.
- ✔ Rough or unstable idle that you can’t seem to correct.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy that has gotten noticeably worse.
- ✔ The transmission shifts harshly, gets stuck in a gear, or shifts at the wrong times.
- ✔ Your scan tool can’t communicate with the computer (a classic sign of internal failure).
- ✔ Unexplained stalling while driving or at a stop.
“A customer’s 2000 Chevy Express van came in last week with these exact symptoms. It was a plumber’s work van, and he was losing money every day it was down. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and crank sensor. We hooked up our high-level scanner and got intermittent ‘No Communication’ errors with the PCM. After verifying all power and ground circuits to the module were solid—a critical diagnostic step—we knew the PCM itself was the culprit. The internal processors were failing under heat. A new, programmed module had him back on the road in under an hour.”
The Direct, Reliable Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We are offering a Powertrain Control Module, compatible with part number 16263494 and others, that arrives at your doorstep ready for installation. The biggest hurdle with PCM replacement is the required programming—without it, the vehicle won’t run because of the anti-theft system (Passlock/VATS) and specific vehicle calibrations. Dealerships can charge hundreds for this service alone.
We eliminate that step entirely. Here’s how it works:
- You purchase the module.
- You provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN.
- My team flashes the module with the latest, most stable GM-certified software specific to your exact vehicle.
- We ship it to you. You install it, perform a simple security relearn procedure (we can provide instructions), and you’re back in business.
Why Our Programmed Module is the Smart Choice
Getting your vehicle fixed right the first time is what matters. This module ensures that happens.
- ✔ No Dealer Visit Needed: Save time and money by avoiding the dealership’s expensive programming fees.
- ✔ Plug & Play Design: Because it’s pre-programmed, you can install it yourself with basic hand tools.
- ✔ Latest GM Updates: We flash the module with the newest software, which often corrects factory bugs related to performance and drivability.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, and 21811787, covering a wide range of GM trucks and vans.
- ✔ Restored Performance: A healthy PCM means a healthy-running engine and transmission, restoring the power and reliability you depend on.
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your trusty GM vehicle sidelined. This is the most straightforward, professional-grade fix available for the DIY mechanic or independent shop. Order today, send us your VIN, and let’s get you back on the road.