Is Your Workhorse Van Stumbling? Get It Back on the Job.
If your 1999-2002 Chevrolet Express 2500 is suddenly acting upโstalling, shifting erratically, or refusing to startโthe problem often points to the very brain of the vehicle: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood of these vans, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing PCM can mimic a dozen other issues, leading to frustrating and expensive diagnostic dead ends. It’s the central command center, and when it falters, the entire vehicle suffers.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
A faulty PCM doesn’t always fail completely. Often, it starts with intermittent problems that can drive you crazy. I’ve diagnosed hundreds of these specific GM modules, and the complaints are almost always the same. Your van might be trying to tell you its PCM is failing if you’re experiencing:
- โ A persistent Check Engine Light that won’t clear, or random codes appearing.
- โ A harsh or delayed shift between gears, especially the 1-2 shift.
- โ The engine cranks but refuses to start, even with good fuel pressure and spark.
- โ Unexplained stalling, either at idle or while driving.
- โ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- โ Communication errors when a mechanic tries to scan the vehicle.
Expert Pro Tip: Check the Foundation First
Before you condemn your PCM, I always tell my customers to check two things: the battery and the main ground connections. These GM vehicles are incredibly sensitive to voltage. A weak battery or a corroded ground strap (especially the one from the engine block to the frame) can cause bizarre electronic symptoms that look exactly like a bad PCM. A few minutes with a wire brush and a wrench can sometimes save you a lot of money. If those are solid, then the PCM is your next logical step.
The Real Solution: A VIN-Programmed Module
Simply swapping in a used PCM from a junkyard is a recipe for disaster on these vehicles. GM used multiple hardware and software versions, identified by service numbers like 16263494. If the numbers don’t match, or if the module isn’t programmed for your van’s specific options (engine size, transmission, emissions), it will not work correctly, if at all. This is where we come in.
This replacement Powertrain Control Module is the definitive solution. We take the guesswork out of the repair by programming the module specifically for YOUR vehicle using the VIN you provide. This process ensures:
- โ Perfect Compatibility: The module is loaded with the exact software your Express 2500 needs to run perfectly.
- โ Latest GM Updates: We flash the unit with the most recent software from General Motors, which often corrects factory bugs related to shifting, idling, and fuel management that your original module never had.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Because it’s programmed for your VIN, it’s ready for installation right out of the box. In most cases, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn), which can be done without special tools and is a necessary step for the vehicle to accept the new module.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM Truck or Van
This module, Hollander part number 218-11787, is a direct replacement for a wide array of GM vehicles from this era, including the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, and S10/Blazer family. It replaces original part numbers like 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. By providing your VIN, you guarantee that we send you the correct, programmed part for a successful repair. Stop chasing ghosts in the machine and get your vehicle running reliably again.