Is Your 1999-2002 Chevy Express Van Running Rough or Refusing to Start?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I know that when a work van is down, your entire day is disrupted. If your Express 1500 is suddenly showing a check engine light, shifting erratically, or won’t start at all, the problem often points to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). After years of heat, vibration, and thousands of miles, the original computer that acts as your van’s brain can start to break down, causing a host of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues.
The Brain of Your Engine: Why a Healthy PCM is Critical
The PCM is the central command center for your entire powertrain. It makes thousands of calculations per second to control everything from the fuel injectors and ignition coils to the transmission shift points and emissions components. When internal circuits or processors fail, the signals get crossed, leading to symptoms that can seem random and unrelated.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- โ A persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t go away.
- โ The engine cranks over but refuses to fire up.
- โ Noticeably poor fuel mileage and a lack of power.
- โ The transmission slams into gear or shifts at the wrong times.
- โ Unexplained engine stalling or a rough, unstable idle.
- โ Your security or anti-theft light may be on, preventing the engine from starting.
Expert Pro Tip: Diagnose Before You Replace
In my shop, I’ve seen countless PCMs get replaced when the real issue was much simpler. Before condemning your computer, I always tell my customers to check the main power and ground connections. On these GM vans, a corroded ground wire on the engine block or a loose connection at the battery can create resistance that mimics complete PCM failure. Also, verify your battery has a full charge. Low voltage makes modern electronics do very strange things. A few minutes with a multimeter can confirm you’re replacing the right part.
The Direct-Fit Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Forget the hassle and high cost of going to a dealership. This is a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take a quality, tested replacement PCM and professionally program it with the latest official GM software calibrations using your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures the module is a perfect match for your van’s specific engine, transmission, and options.
Why Our Programmed PCM is the Better Choice:
- โ Programmed to Your VIN: We flash the module specifically for your van. This critical step ensures all systems communicate correctly, right out of the box.
- โ Features Latest GM Software: Your PCM will be loaded with the most recent updates from General Motors, which often correct original drivability issues and improve overall performance.
- โ Simple Installation Process: Once you install the module, a straightforward security relearn procedure is typically all that’s needed to get your engine running again. No specialized tools are required.
- โ Solves Core Problems: This is a reliable fix for the common failure points within these original modules, restoring proper engine and transmission function.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles from this era. To ensure a perfect match, please check the service tag on your original module and verify it has one of the following part numbers:
16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787
While this listing focuses on the Express 1500, this PCM is also the correct computer for many other popular models, including the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, S10, Blazer, and Astro vans. Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest, getting your vehicle back on the road fast.