Is Your LS1-Powered Camaro or Firebird Suddenly Acting Up?
You turn the key in your 1999-2002 Camaro Z28 or Firebird Trans Am, expecting that familiar V8 rumble, but instead, you get a crank-no-start, a sputtering idle, or a dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. As a mechanic with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen this scenario play out hundreds of times. The heart and brain of your vehicle’s engine management system, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is often the culprit. After years of heat cycles, vibration, and exposure to the elements, these modules can and do fail, leaving you stranded and frustrated.
These specific PCMs, often found tucked behind the passenger-side strut tower in F-body cars or under the battery tray in GM trucks, are susceptible to internal component breakdown. This isn’t just a simple part failure; it’s the central computer giving up. The symptoms can be maddeningly intermittent at first, making diagnosis a real challenge for the average DIYer.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM on Your GM Vehicle
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty PCM is a likely cause. I’ve personally diagnosed these issues on countless Camaros, Silverados, and Corvettes that have rolled into my bay.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks over but will not fire up. You may notice a lack of fuel pump prime or no spark.
- ✔ Check Engine Light with Communication Errors: Your scan tool can’t communicate with the ECM, or you have persistent codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) that won’t clear.
- ✔ Erratic Transmission Shifting: The transmission may slam into gear, shift at the wrong RPMs, or feel like it’s slipping, even though the transmission itself is mechanically sound.
- ✔ Poor Engine Performance: Noticeable loss of power, terrible fuel economy, rough idling, stalling, or hesitation can all point back to the PCM’s inability to correctly manage fuel and timing.
- ✔ Intermittent Electrical Issues: Gauges behaving erratically or cooling fans not turning on are classic signs of a confused computer.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you spend a dime on a new PCM, do yourself a favor and check the main ground straps. On these LS1-era vehicles, there’s a critical ground on the back of the driver-side cylinder head that is notorious for getting corroded or loose. A bad ground can cause voltage drops and signal interference that perfectly mimic a failed computer. I’ve seen this simple check save my customers hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaches. A few minutes with a wire brush and a wrench can sometimes be the real fix.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. This Powertrain Control Module (service #09354896) is the correct hardware for a massive range of GM cars and trucks from this era. The real value, however, is in our pre-programming service. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We then flash the module with the latest, most stable GM-certified calibration specifically for your vehicle’s configuration. This means no expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It arrives at your door ready for a straightforward installation.
Key Benefits of This Module:
- ✔ VIN-Programmed for Your Vehicle: Eliminates the need for dealer flashing. It’s a true plug-and-play solution once the security relearn procedure is completed.
- ✔ Loaded with Latest GM Updates: Your module will have the most recent software from General Motors, addressing common factory bugs and improving drivability.
- ✔ Restores Original Performance: Fixes issues caused by a failing computer, from no-starts to poor fuel economy and shifting problems.
- ✔ Direct-Fit Replacement: Guaranteed to fit and function correctly, replacing part numbers 19109040, 09354896, and 9354896.
Guaranteed Fitment For Your GM Car, Truck, or SUV
This module is a direct replacement for a wide variety of popular GM vehicles. Please verify your part number and match it to the list below. Note the different mounting locations for cars versus trucks.
Cars (Typically mounted behind the RH strut tower):
- ✔ 1999-2002 Chevrolet Camaro (5.7L)
- ✔ 1999-2002 Pontiac Firebird (5.7L)
- ✔ 1999-2000 Chevrolet Corvette
Trucks & SUVs (Typically mounted on the LH side, under the battery):
- ✔ 1999-2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 2500 (8-Cylinder)
- ✔ 1999-2000 GMC Sierra 1500 / 2500 (8-Cylinder)
- ✔ 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban 1500 & 2500
- ✔ 2000 GMC Yukon / Yukon XL 1500 & 2500
Ordering is simple. Purchase the module, send us your VIN, and we’ll handle the programming. Once it arrives, you’ll perform a simple security relearn procedure (instructions included), and you’ll be back on the road. Don’t let a bad PCM keep your vehicle down. Get the reliable, pre-programmed solution today.