Is Your GM Truck or Van Plagued by Mysterious Electrical Gremlins?
If you’re dealing with a no-start condition, stalling for no reason, a transmission that shifts erratically, or a check engine light that won’t go away, you’re likely at your wit’s end. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood of these exact vehicles, I’ve seen these symptoms hundreds of times. Often, the root cause isn’t a bad sensor or wiring—it’s the vehicle’s central computer, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), that has failed.
The Brain of Your Drivetrain
The PCM, also known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM), is the master controller for your engine and transmission. It processes information from dozens of sensors to manage everything from fuel injection and spark timing to transmission shift points and torque converter lockup. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of confusing and frustrating problems that can be difficult to diagnose without swapping the part.
Expert Pro Tip: Check The Basics First
Before you condemn your PCM, do this simple check I’ve taught every apprentice technician: Inspect the main PCM connectors for corrosion and verify you have solid power and ground at the module. On these GM trucks and vans, a corroded ground wire on the frame or a loose connection at the battery can mimic PCM failure. I’ve saved customers hundreds of dollars by finding a bad ground strap that was causing intermittent no-starts. A simple check with a multimeter can save you time and money.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
A faulty PCM can manifest in many ways. If your Chevrolet, GMC, or Isuzu is experiencing any of the following, a failing module is a very likely culprit:
- ✔ No-start or hard-starting condition, especially when warm.
- ✔ The engine cranks but will not fire up.
- ✔ Stalling or cutting out while driving.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Inaccurate or non-functional gauges on the instrument cluster.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, often unrelated, communication codes (U-codes).
- ✔ Your scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy for no apparent reason.
Your Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take a high-quality, tested PCM and program it specifically for your vehicle using your unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures 100% compatibility. We load the latest, most stable software available from GM, which often corrects inherent drivability and performance issues present in the original factory programming. When you receive this module, it’s ready for a straightforward installation without requiring a trip to the dealership for expensive programming.
Guaranteed Compatibility Across a Wide Range of Models
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. It’s designed to work with a huge variety of popular GM trucks and vans from the late 90s and early 2000s. Please verify your vehicle is on the detailed fitment list to ensure a perfect match. Simply provide your VIN after purchase, and we’ll handle the rest, getting you a reliable part that restores your vehicle’s performance and dependability.