Is Your GM Truck or Van Plagued with Mysterious Problems?
If you’re driving a late 90s or early 2000s GM vehicle like a Chevy Express, Silverado, or GMC Sierra, you know they’re built to work hard. But when the brain of the operation—the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—starts to fail, it can cause some of the most frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose issues I see in my shop. You might be experiencing a check engine light that won’t go away, sudden stalling at stoplights, harsh or erratic transmission shifting, or a complete no-start condition where everything else seems fine. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re signs that your vehicle’s central computer is struggling.
The Real Culprit: A Failing Engine Computer
The PCM, also known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM), is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. Over two decades of heat cycles, engine vibration, and electrical stress can cause internal components on the circuit board to degrade and fail. In my 20+ years of experience, I’ve seen countless customers replace fuel pumps, ignition coils, and sensors only to find the root cause was the PCM all along.
Expert Pro Tip: The “No Communication” Dead End
A classic sign of a failing 16263494 PCM is when you or your mechanic plugs in a professional scan tool and get a “No Communication with PCM” error. If the fuses are good and the wiring looks intact, this almost always points to an internal failure of the module itself. The PCM is offline, and no amount of diagnostics on other parts will solve the problem until the computer is replaced.
The Simple, Reliable Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take all the guesswork and hassle out of the process. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We then professionally program this module with the latest, most stable software updates from General Motors, ensuring it is a perfect match for your vehicle’s specific configuration—engine, transmission, and factory options included.
Key Benefits of This VIN-Programmed Module:
- âś” No Expensive Dealer Visit: This PCM arrives at your door ready to install. No need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership for costly programming.
- âś” True Plug-and-Play Installation: Simply disconnect the negative battery terminal, swap the old module with this one, and reconnect the battery. In most cases, the vehicle will start right up and run correctly.
- âś” Latest GM Software: We flash the module with the newest calibrations, which can resolve factory-known bugs and improve performance and drivability over your original software.
- âś” Solves Common Issues: Directly addresses symptoms like stalling, no-start, communication errors, false sensor codes, and poor engine performance caused by a faulty PCM.
- âś” Broad Compatibility: This module is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940.
Guaranteed Fitment – Match Your Part Number
This module is designed to work with a wide range of GM vehicles. The most reliable way to ensure compatibility is to match the part number on your existing module to 16263494 or one of the alternate numbers listed below. Your original module is typically located in the engine bay, often on the driver’s side fender, near the battery, or on the back of the engine block in vans.
Replaces Part Numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787
This part is a confirmed fit for many popular models, including the Chevy Express 1500/2500/3500, GMC Savana, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, S10, Blazer, and more. Please review the detailed fitment list to confirm it is correct for your exact year, make, and model.