Is Your GM Truck or Van Plagued by Mysterious Electrical Gremlins?
If you’re dealing with a 1999 GMC 1500, or a similar GM truck or van from that era, you know they’re built tough. But after two decades on the road, even the toughest components can start to show their age. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the vehicle’s central computer, is often the culprit behind some of the most frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues. In my 20+ years as a diagnostician, I’ve seen countless vehicles come into the shop with symptoms that leave owners and even other mechanics scratching their heads.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
A faulty PCM doesn’t always fail completely. Often, it begins to fail intermittently, causing problems that come and go. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, its computer may be the root cause:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with multiple, unrelated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- โ The engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Poor fuel economy and a noticeable loss of power.
- โ The engine stalls unexpectedly, either while driving or at idle.
- โ Your scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you condemn the PCM, do yourself a favor and check the main power and ground connections. On these GM trucks and vans, a corroded or loose ground strap (especially the one from the engine block to the frame or firewall) can mimic PCM failure perfectly. I’ve saved customers hundreds of dollars by spending 15 minutes with a wire brush and a wrench. A solid connection is critical for any computer to function correctly. If your connections are clean and tight and the problems persist, then it’s time to look at the module itself.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
This Powertrain Control Module is the reliable, straightforward solution to get your truck back to factory-spec operation. It’s not just a part in a box; it’s a comprehensive service. We take the guesswork and the extra expense out of the repair. When you order, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We then flash the module with the latest, most stable software directly from GM for your specific vehicle configuration. This ensures perfect compatibility and function right out of the box.
Why is VIN Programming So Important?
A PCM from a salvage yard or a generic part won’t work correctly. The software inside must match your truck’s engine size (5.0L, 5.7L, 4.3L), transmission type, and other factory options. Our programming service handles all of that for you.
- โ No Dealer Visit Required: Save on towing fees and expensive dealership programming charges.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Once you receive the module, installation is as simple as disconnecting the battery, swapping the old module for the new one, and reconnecting the battery. In most cases, no complicated security relearn procedure is needed.
- โ Latest GM Updates: Your module will be loaded with software that often corrects factory bugs related to shifting, idling, and emissions that were discovered after your truck was built.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: This module is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. By using your VIN, we guarantee it’s the right part with the right software.
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your reliable GM vehicle off the road. This is the most efficient way to solve complex electronic issues and restore the performance and dependability you expect. After purchase, simply send us your VIN, and we’ll handle the rest.