Is Your Workhorse Van or Truck Suddenly Unreliable?
If you rely on your 1999-2002 GMC Savana, Chevy Express, or another GM truck from this era, you know it’s built to work. But when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) starts to fail, that reliable workhorse can become a major headache. You might be experiencing a check engine light that won’t go away, bizarre transmission shifting, a rough idle, or even a frustrating no-start condition that leaves you stranded. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues countless times on these specific GM platforms.
A Real-World Scenario from the Shop
“A customer’s 2001 Savana 2500 came in last week with these exact symptoms. The van, used for a plumbing business, would intermittently stall at traffic lights and shift hard from 1st to 2nd gear. The owner had already replaced the throttle position sensor and cleaned the MAF sensor with no luck. After hooking up my scan tool, I noticed erratic data from multiple sensors, but the sensors themselves tested fine. This pointed directly to the central processorโthe PCM. The internal components had simply worn out from years of heat and vibration, a common fate for these modules, especially when they’re mounted in the engine bay.”
The Brain of Your Vehicle’s Operation
The PCM, also known as the ECM or engine computer, is the central command center for your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It processes information from dozens of sensors to control critical functions like fuel injection pulse width, ignition timing, and transmission shift points. When it fails, the symptoms can be widespread and often mimic the failure of other, more expensive parts. Don’t waste time and money chasing phantom problems by replacing perfectly good sensors.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM:
- โ Check Engine Light (CEL) with various communication or sensor-related 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.
- โ Poor fuel economy and loss of power.
- โ Issues with the anti-theft system (Passlock/VATS) preventing startup.
The Solution: A Pre-Programmed, Ready-to-Install PCM
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a thoroughly tested, reliable PCM and program it specifically for YOUR vehicle using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a critical step that many sellers skip. Without correct VIN programming, your vehicle may not start, the transmission may not shift correctly, and you’ll likely have warning lights on the dash. We handle that for you.
What Our Programming Service Includes:
- โ VIN-Specific Calibration: We load the exact file for your truck or van’s engine, transmission, and emissions equipment.
- โ The Latest GM Software: Your module arrives with all available factory software updates from General Motors. These updates often correct drivability issues that were present even when the vehicle was new.
- โ Plug-and-Play Design: Because it’s programmed before shipping, installation is straightforward. In most cases, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation, which can be done without a scan tool.
Guaranteed Fitment
This PCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans. Please verify your original part number matches one of the following to ensure compatibility:
- โ Part Numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787
- โ Primary Application: 1999-2002 GMC Savana 2500
- โ Extensive Compatibility: Also fits many Chevrolet Express, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, Astro, Safari, S10/Sonoma, and more from the 1998-2002 model years. Please see the detailed fitment list to confirm for your specific vehicle.
IMPORTANT: After you complete your purchase, you MUST provide us with your 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your order until we have this information to program the module correctly.