Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, or S10 Blazer suffering from erratic behavior? Issues like a persistent check engine light, harsh transmission shifts, poor fuel economy, or even a no-start condition can often be traced back to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This module is the central computer of your vehicle, responsible for managing critical engine and transmission functions. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose problems. This replacement PCM, part number 16263494, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s reliability and drivability.
The Brain of Your Vehicle’s Operation
The PCM orchestrates everything from fuel injection timing and spark advance to transmission shift points and emissions control. It constantly analyzes data from sensors throughout the vehicle to make real-time adjustments, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance. Over time, heat, vibration, and electrical stress can cause internal components to degrade, leading to incorrect calculations and faulty commands. This results in the symptoms that leave many drivers and even technicians scratching their heads.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2001 GMC Savana 2500 in the shop that the owner was convinced needed a new transmission. It was shifting hard from first to second and occasionally wouldn’t shift into overdrive, throwing a generic transmission code. The fluid was clean, and all the solenoids tested fine. After hours of diagnostics, we decided to inspect the PCM. We found subtle signs of corrosion on the board. We swapped in a correctly programmed PCM, and the van drove like it just rolled off the factory floor. It’s a classic case where the symptom (bad shifting) points to the transmission, but the root cause is the computer controlling it. Don’t replace expensive hardware until you’ve verified the brain is working correctly!
Why Choose Our Programmed Express 1500 Van PCM?
Getting your vehicle back on the road shouldn’t be a gamble. Unlike sourcing a module from a salvage yard which carries an unknown history and incorrect programming, our units are meticulously prepared for your specific vehicle. We take your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and flash the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This process ensures that the PCM is perfectly matched to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and factory options. This isn’t just a replacement; it’s a restoration of your vehicle’s original operating logic, often correcting factory bugs that were fixed in later software releases.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various trouble codes.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or rough idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Vehicle fails to start intermittently or cranks but won’t fire.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
- ✔ Inaccurate gauge readings or warning lights on the dashboard.
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans from the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is compatible with multiple service numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. By providing your VIN upon purchase, you guarantee that the unit you receive is ready for installation, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming or specialized tools. Simply install the module, and in most cases, perform a security relearn procedure (if applicable for your model), and you’ll be back on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this module programmed?
No. We handle the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during or after checkout, and we will flash the module with the correct GM software for your specific vehicle.
Is this part difficult to install?
Installation is straightforward for most DIY mechanics. It typically involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connectors from the old module, unbolting it, and then installing the new one in reverse order. The location varies by model but is generally in the engine bay.
What is a security relearn procedure?
On many GM vehicles, the anti-theft system (Passlock/VATS) is linked to the PCM. After installing a new PCM, you may need to perform a simple key-cycle procedure to allow the new module to recognize your vehicle’s keys. This procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and does not require special tools. We can provide instructions if needed.
How do I find my VIN?
Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This PCM is a direct solution for failures of the original module. If your vehicle’s issues are caused by a faulty PCM, this part will resolve them. However, it’s always recommended to have a proper diagnosis performed to rule out other potential causes like bad sensors or wiring.