Is Your GM Truck or Van Suddenly Acting Possessed?
If you’re behind the wheel of a 2001-2002 Chevrolet 3500, or another GM vehicle from that era, you know it’s a workhorse. But when the brain of the operation—the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—starts to fail, it can feel like you’re chasing ghosts. You might be experiencing a frustrating mix of issues: a persistent Check Engine Light, the engine running rough or stalling, the transmission shifting hard or at the wrong times, or even a complete no-start condition. You’ve replaced sensors, checked wiring, and you’re still at square one. This is a story I’ve seen play out in my service bay hundreds of times.
The Real Culprit: A Failing Powertrain Control Module
The PCM is the central computer managing everything from your engine’s fuel mixture and ignition timing to your transmission’s shift points. On these GM trucks and vans, it’s often located in the engine bay (typically under the battery tray), where it’s exposed to constant heat, vibration, and moisture. Over two decades, this harsh environment takes its toll. Internal solder joints crack, processors fail, and driver circuits that control injectors or ignition coils burn out. The result is a cascade of confusing symptoms that can mislead even experienced mechanics.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you condemn your PCM, take 15 minutes to check and clean the main engine and chassis ground connections. On these GM trucks, a corroded ground strap (especially the one from the engine block to the firewall or frame) can cause voltage drops that mimic PCM failure. I’ve saved customers hundreds of dollars with a simple wire brush and some dielectric grease. If your grounds are clean and tight and the problems persist, the PCM is your most likely suspect.
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed PCM
Forget the hassle and expense of a dealership visit. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take a quality-tested PCM and flash it with the latest GM-certified software calibration specifically for your vehicle. All you have to do is provide us with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout. This ensures that when the module arrives, it’s a true plug-and-play installation.
- ✔ No Dealership Required: This module arrives pre-programmed to your exact VIN. No need for expensive dealer programming or special tools.
- ✔ Resolves Common Issues: Directly addresses problems like false sensor codes, erratic shifting, no-start conditions, and persistent Check Engine Lights.
- ✔ Latest GM Software: We load the most current calibration from General Motors, which often includes fixes for drivability issues you might not have even known were software-related.
- ✔ Simple Installation: Just disconnect the battery, swap the modules, and reconnect. In most cases, you’ll be back on the road in under an hour.
Confirming Your Part Number
This PCM, service number 52369718, is a direct replacement for several original part numbers. If your current module has any of the following numbers printed on the label, this is the correct part for you:
- ✔ 12200411
- ✔ 12201281
- ✔ 12576160
- ✔ 52369718
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This ECM/PCM is compatible with a wide range of gasoline-powered GM vehicles. Please review the list below to confirm your specific model and year. Note the location details, as they can vary.
- ✔ AVALANCHE 1500: 2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ AVALANCHE 2500: 2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ ASTRO / SAFARI (GMC): 2000-2002 (LH front by battery, check for ID 12200411 on 00-01 models)
- ✔ BLAZER S10 / JIMMY S15 / BRAVADA: 2001-2002 (RH front engine compartment)
- ✔ CAMARO / FIREBIRD: 2001-2002 (5.7L, behind RH strut tower, ID 12200411)
- ✔ CHEVROLET / GMC 3500 PICKUP: 2001-2002 (Gasoline only. LH front under battery, or LH front engine compartment for I-beam axle models)
- ✔ CORVETTE: 2001-2003 (RH engine compartment)
- ✔ ESCALADE / ESCALADE EXT: 2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ EXPRESS / SAVANA 1500 VAN: 2001-2002 (LH rear engine compartment, ID 12200411)
- ✔ EXPRESS / SAVANA 2500 VAN: 2001-2002 (Gasoline, LH rear engine compartment, ID 12200411)
- ✔ EXPRESS / SAVANA 3500 VAN: 2001-2002 (Gasoline, LH rear engine compartment, ID 12200411)
- ✔ S10 / S15 / SONOMA PICKUP: 2001-2002 (4.3L, RH front engine compartment)
- ✔ SIERRA / SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP: 2001-2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ SIERRA / SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP: 2001-2002 (Gasoline, LH front under battery)
- ✔ SIERRA / SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP: 2001-2002 (Gasoline, LH front under battery)
- ✔ SIERRA DENALI: 2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ SUBURBAN 1500 / 2500: 2001-2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ TAHOE / YUKON: 2001-2002 (LH front under battery)
- ✔ YUKON XL 1500 / 2500: 2001-2002 (LH front under battery)
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your reliable GM truck off the road. This VIN-programmed PCM is the most straightforward and dependable way to restore your vehicle’s performance and eliminate those frustrating electronic gremlins for good.