Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, or Silverado plagued by frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, stalling, rough idling, or a no-start condition? These are classic signs of a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer that manages your vehicle’s engine and transmission. A faulty PCM can disrupt everything from fuel delivery and ignition timing to transmission shifting, leaving you with an unreliable and inefficient vehicle. This replacement module, part number 16265035, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s original performance and reliability.
The Critical Importance of VIN Programming
Simply swapping a used computer from another vehicle won’t work. Each PCM is programmed with specific data for the vehicle it came from, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other critical operating parameters. Our service eliminates the guesswork and the expensive trip to the dealership. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s VIN. We then flash this module with the latest, most up-to-date software directly from GM, ensuring it is a perfect match for your exact vehicle configuration. This means it arrives at your door ready for installation, simplifying the repair process and getting you back on the road faster.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 2001 Savana 2500 work van come into the shop that was driving the owner crazy. It would run fine for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 20 minutes. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump, crank sensor, and ignition coil based on advice from forums. After hours of diagnostics, we found the PCM would intermittently stop communicating with the rest of the vehicle’s network. It was a classic internal failure. We installed a VIN-programmed module just like this one, performed the security relearn, and the van has been running reliably for its owner ever since. It’s a reminder that the ‘brain’ of the vehicle is often the root cause of the most elusive problems.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated on the dash.
- ✔ Vehicle refuses to start or is very difficult to start (hard starting).
- ✔ Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or at idle.
- ✔ Rough or erratic engine idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to communicate with a diagnostic scan tool.
- ✔ Error codes related to PCM internal failure or communication loss (e.g., U-codes).
Your Solution: A Pre-Programmed Express 3500 PCM
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your truck or van off the road. This replacement Express 3500 PCM is meticulously prepared to meet and exceed original equipment specifications. The process is simple: place your order, provide your VIN, and we handle the complex programming. The module you receive is a direct-fit replacement for part number 16265035 and several other compatible part numbers (see list). Installation is straightforward for an experienced DIYer or any professional technician. In many cases, a simple security relearn procedure is all that’s needed to finalize the installation, a process that can often be done without special tools. Restore the precise engine management your vehicle needs for dependable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VIN programming process work?
After you place your order, you will need to provide us with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Our technicians use this VIN to access the official GM database and load the correct software and calibrations for your specific vehicle onto the module. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and options.
Is this part truly plug-and-play?
Because the module is pre-programmed to your VIN, it is as close to plug-and-play as possible. However, due to the GM anti-theft system (Passlock/VATS), you will likely need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation. This procedure pairs the new PCM to your vehicle’s ignition and can typically be done in your driveway in about 30 minutes with just the ignition key.
Do I need to send my old PCM back?
No, there is no core charge or need to return your original module. You can keep your old part or dispose of it as you see fit.
Where can I find my vehicle’s VIN?
Your 17-digit VIN can be found on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
My original part number isn’t 16265035, but it’s listed as compatible. Will this work?
Yes. Manufacturers often consolidate multiple part numbers into a single, updated replacement part. If your original part number is listed in our compatibility list (e.g., 16263494), this module is the correct, updated replacement for your vehicle, and we will program it to function perfectly.