Restore Your Truck’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
Is your 2004 Avalanche 2500 running rough, throwing confusing check engine lights, or refusing to start intermittently? As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times. Often, the culprit isn’t a bad sensor or a wiring issue—it’s the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the central computer of your vehicle. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reliability issue that can leave you stranded.
This replacement 2004 Avalanche 2500 PCM is the definitive solution to get your truck running like it should. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our experts will flash the module with the latest, most stable GM factory software specific to your truck. It arrives at your door ready for installation, with no need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. This is the same process we use in the shop to ensure a reliable, long-term fix.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 2004 Sierra 2500 with the 8.1L that came into my bay with a ghost of a problem. The owner said it would randomly die at stoplights and sometimes wouldn’t start for an hour. No consistent codes, just pure frustration. After checking fuel pressure, spark, and all the usual suspects, we hooked up a scope to the PCM’s power and ground feeds. We found that heat soak from the engine was causing an internal fault in the module. Swapping in a quality, correctly programmed PCM like this one solved the problem instantly. The owner went from wanting to sell the truck to trusting it again.
Is Your GM Truck Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0606 (PCM Processor Fault).
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- ✔ Rough or erratic idling and stalling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect transmission shifting.
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the PCM on these GM trucks is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. This pre-programmed module makes it even simpler. For the 2004 Avalanche 2500, you’ll find it under the hood on the driver’s side, below the battery tray.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Access the Module: You may need to remove the battery and the battery tray to gain clear access to the PCM.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the electrical harness connectors from the old PCM. There are typically release tabs that need to be pressed or lifted. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Old PCM: Unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed 2004 Avalanche 2500 PCM and securely re-attach the electrical connectors. You should hear a click as they lock into place.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the battery tray and battery, then reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Security Relearn: You may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, which typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes. This allows the new PCM to sync with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 89017739 (also compatible with 12586243), is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of 2004 and some 2005 GM vehicles. Please verify your specific model and options below:
GMC: Sierra (1500, 2500, 3500), Savana (1500, 2500, 3500), Yukon XL 2500, Envoy (XL, XUV), Sonoma, Safari, Jimmy S15
Buick: Rainier
Cadillac: CTS (V-Series, 04-05)
Pontiac: GTO
Chevrolet/GMC: Astro / Safari Van
Note: Specific engine sizes and option IDs apply. Match your vehicle to the detailed list or contact us with your VIN to confirm 100% compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
2004 Avalanche 2500 PCM
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Yes, this is pre-programmed to your VIN, making it a plug-and-play solution. In some cases, a simple 10-15 minute key-on security relearn procedure is all that’s needed after installation.