Is Your 2001-2002 Savana Van Giving You Headaches?
If you’re dealing with a check engine light that won’t go away, rough idling, stalling, or even a no-start condition, the problem often points directly to the heart of your vehicle’s electronics: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless GM vans and trucks from this era develop these exact issues. The PCM is the brain, and when it starts to fail, the symptoms can be confusing and frustrating.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Scenario
“A customer’s 2002 Savana 2500 work van came in last week. It would start fine cold, but after about 20 minutes of driving, it would start sputtering and eventually stall at stoplights. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and a few sensors with no luck. We connected our diagnostic scanner and saw multiple communication loss codes with the PCM. After checking the wiring and power feeds, we confirmed the PCM itself was failing internally, likely due to heat and age. Replacing the module with a properly programmed unit had his van running reliably that same afternoon. It’s a classic failure pattern for these workhorses.”
The Brain of Your Engine
The PCM, or engine computer, controls everything from fuel injector pulse width and spark timing to transmission shift points and emissions equipment. The original modules in these 2001-2002 Savana vans have now endured over 20 years of heat cycles, vibration, and electrical stress. Over time, internal components like capacitors and solder joints can degrade, leading to intermittent or complete failure.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM:
- โ Check Engine Light (CEL) is illuminated with various codes
- โ Vehicle will not start or is difficult to start
- โ Stalling, sputtering, or poor engine performance
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- โ Failure to pass state emissions testing
- โ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
The Solution: A Direct-Fit, Programmed PCM
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your van off the road. This replacement PCM is the reliable and straightforward solution. We take all the guesswork and hassle out of the process. When you order, you simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We then flash the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM for your specific vehicle configuration. This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all program; it’s tailored to your van.
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including:
- โ 12576160
- โ 12200411
- โ 12201281
- โ 52369718
Installation is Straightforward
For the 2001-2002 Savana 1500, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side (LH rear). After disconnecting the vehicle’s battery, you can unbolt the old module, carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors, and install the new one. Once installed, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock or VATS relearn) to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and does not require any special tools. This simple step saves you a costly trip to the dealership for programming.