Is Your GM Truck or Van Plagued by Mysterious Electrical Gremlins?
If you’re behind the wheel of a 1999-2002 GMC Savana 3500, Chevy Express, or another GM truck from this era, you know it’s a workhorse. But when it starts acting up, it can be incredibly frustrating. Are you experiencing a random no-start condition, harsh or erratic transmission shifting, a persistent Check Engine Light, or a slew of communication error codes that have your mechanic chasing ghosts? Chances are, the problem isn’t a dozen different failed sensorsโit’s the one component that controls them all.
The Brain of Your Operation: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The PCM, or Electronic Control Module (ECM) as it’s also called, is the central computer for your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It processes thousands of signals every second to manage everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. After two decades of heat cycles, vibration, and constant use, the delicate internal circuits of these modules can begin to fail, leading to symptoms that seem completely unrelated.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Diagnostic
“A customer’s 2001 Savana 3500 came in last week with these exact symptoms. The van would randomly stall and refuse to restart for an hour. The owner had already replaced the crank sensor and the fuel pump based on codes he pulled. When we hooked up our professional scan tool, we couldn’t even communicate with the PCM. After checking the power and ground feeds to the module, which were perfect, we knew the PCM itself was the culprit. A failing processor on the main board was intermittently shutting down. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, performed the quick security relearn, and the van has been running flawlessly ever since. It saved the customer from throwing more money at parts he didn’t need.”
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution for Your Vehicle
Don’t let a faulty computer sideline your vehicle. This Powertrain Control Module is the reliable, straightforward solution to restore your truck or van’s performance and dependability. We take all the guesswork and expensive dealership trips out of the equation. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s VIN, and we program the module with the latest, most stable software calibration directly from GM. This ensures it’s a perfect match for your specific vehicle configuration.
- โ VIN-Programmed for You: Arrives ready for installation, flashed with your vehicle’s specific software and the newest GM updates.
- โ Solves Common Issues: A direct fix for no-start conditions, poor fuel economy, erratic transmission behavior, and false sensor codes.
- โ Restores Communication: Fixes issues where scan tools cannot communicate with the PCM/ECM.
- โ No Complicated Dealer Visit: Avoid the high costs and scheduling hassles of getting a new module programmed at a dealership.
Installation and Compatibility Check
Installation is typically straightforward. In most Savana and Express vans, the module is located in the LH rear of the engine compartment. In pickups and SUVs, it’s often on the LH side, sometimes under the battery tray. Always disconnect the battery before swapping modules. After installation, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock or VATS relearn), which can usually be done without special tools and takes about 30 minutes.
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers. Please verify that your original module has one of the following numbers printed on the label:
- โ 16265035
- โ 16263494
- โ 8162634940
- โ 218-11787
- โ 21811787
By providing a module that is correctly programmed and updated, we ensure you’re getting a part that not only fixes the immediate problem but also includes software improvements from GM that your original module never had. Get your reliable GM workhorse back on the road with confidence.