Restore Your GM Truck’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
Is your trusty Savana, Express, or Silverado suddenly acting up? Maybe it’s a hard start in the morning, a random stall at a stoplight, or transmission shifts that feel harsh and unpredictable. If you’re chasing these ghosts in the machine, chances are the problem lies with the very brain of your vehicle: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
As a mechanic with over two decades of experience under the hood of these GM workhorses, I’ve seen this exact scenario hundreds of times. The PCM is the master coordinator, managing everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be confusing and widespread.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- โ Check Engine Light with seemingly random codes (especially communication or sensor reference voltage codes).
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Engine stalling, stumbling, or rough idling.
- โ A complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- โ Security light staying on, preventing the engine from starting.
A Technician’s Real-World Experience
“A customer’s 2001 Savana 1500 came in last week with these exact symptoms. It was a work van, and the owner was losing money every day it was down. It would start fine cold, but after 20 minutes of driving, it would stall and refuse to restart for an hour. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and crank sensor. After hooking up my scan tool, I saw the 5-volt reference signal to the sensors was dropping out intermittently. This is a classic sign of internal PCM failure, caused by years of heat cycles degrading the internal circuit board. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, performed the security relearn, and had him back on the job that same afternoon.”
The Guaranteed Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Simply swapping in a used PCM from a junkyard won’t work on these vehicles. The module is tied to the original vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and its specific anti-theft system (GM’s Passlock or VATS). Our service eliminates the guesswork and the need for expensive dealership programming tools.
When you order from us, you’re not just getting a replacement part. You are getting a complete solution:
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We require your VIN at checkout to load the exact, correct software for your truck’s engine, transmission, and options.
- โ Latest GM Updates: Your module will be flashed with the most recent software from General Motors. This often corrects drivability and performance issues that were discovered after your vehicle left the factory.
- โ Plug-and-Play Ready: Once you receive the module, installation is straightforward. After you connect it, you will only need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, which takes about 30 minutes and requires no special tools. We provide instructions for this.
Why is VIN Programming Critical?
The PCM is more than just an engine computer; it’s an integrated controller. The VIN programming ensures it communicates correctly with the Body Control Module (BCM), the anti-theft system, and the transmission. Without this step, your vehicle will not start, or it will run in a reduced power “limp mode.” We handle this complex step for you, so your repair is as simple as possible.
Confirm Your Part Number
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers. Please check the sticker on your current module to ensure it matches one of the following: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, or 21811787. This guarantees compatibility and a smooth installation process. This part fits a wide range of GM trucks and vans, including the Express, Savana, Silverado, Sierra, S10/Sonoma, Blazer/Jimmy, and more. Please consult the detailed fitment list to confirm for your specific model.