Is Your GM Truck or Van Plagued by Baffling Electrical Gremlins?
If you’re driving a late 90s or early 2000s GM truck, van, or SUV, you know they’re built to last. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, it can feel like your trusty vehicle is possessed. You might be experiencing a frustrating no-start condition one day and rough idling the next. These aren’t random quirks; they’re classic signs that the electronic brain of your vehicle is struggling.
In my 20+ years diagnosing these vehicles, I’ve seen it all. A 2001 Savana work van that would stall intermittently in traffic, a ’99 Tahoe that refused to shift out of first gear, or an S10 pickup with a check engine light that no amount of part-swapping could fix. In a huge number of these cases, the root cause traces back to a failing PCM. After decades of heat cycles, vibration, and electrical stress, the internal components simply wear out.
The Core of the Problem: A Failing Vehicle Computer
The PCM, also known as the ECM or Electronic Control Module, is the master controller for your engine and transmission. It processes information from dozens of sensors to manage everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it fails, the symptoms can be widespread and confusing:
- โ No-start or hard-starting conditions
- โ Stalling for no apparent reason
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- โ A persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- โ Poor fuel economy and loss of power
- โ Communication error codes with a scan tool
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you condemn your PCM, grab a multimeter and check the main ground connections for the module. On these GM trucks and vans, a corroded or loose ground wire on the engine block or frame can cause voltage drops that mimic a completely failed PCM. I’ve seen this simple check save customers hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration. It’s a 10-minute diagnostic step that every DIYer should perform.
The Definitive Solution: A VIN-Programmed, Ready-to-Install PCM
Forget the hassle and expense of a dealership visit. This Powertrain Control Module is the straightforward, reliable solution to get your vehicle back in top form. We take all the guesswork out of the process. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN, and we program the module specifically for your truck or van. This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all part; it’s a component prepared for your exact configuration.
This process includes loading the latest software updates directly from GM. These updates are crucial, as they often contain fixes for drivability problems and performance issues that were discovered after your vehicle left the factory. This means you’re not just replacing a partโyou’re getting a component with improved logic and stability.
Guaranteed Compatibility and Simple Installation
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of popular GM vehicles and is cross-compatible with several part numbers, including 16263494 and 16265035. Be sure to check the number on your existing module to confirm a match. On vehicles like the Express/Savana vans, you’ll typically find it in the LH rear of the engine compartment. On pickups like the Silverado or S10, it could be on the LH or RH side of the engine bay, sometimes under the battery tray.
Installation is a simple bolt-in, plug-in process. Once you provide your VIN and we ship the programmed module, all you need to do is disconnect the battery, swap the part, and reconnect. In many cases, the vehicle will start and run perfectly. Some models may require a simple security relearn procedure, which can be done without special tools. Order today and restore the performance and reliability you depend on.