Is Your 2004-2006 GMC Canyon Running Rough or Not Starting at All?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating no-start condition, a Check Engine Light that won’t go away, or bizarre electrical gremlins in your GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is a very likely culprit. As a tech with two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen these exact symptoms hundreds of times on this specific GM truck platform. The PCM is the brain of your vehicle, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of problems that seem unrelated, making diagnosis a nightmare for the average DIYer.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM PCM
A faulty PCM doesn’t always fail completely at once. It often starts with intermittent issues that can leave you stranded. Here’s what I look for in the shop:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL): You might see communication codes like U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM) or a flood of seemingly random sensor codes that don’t make sense together.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks but won’t fire up. This is often because the PCM isn’t commanding the fuel injectors or ignition coils to operate.
- ✔ Erratic Engine Performance: Stalling, sputtering, poor fuel economy, and rough idling can all point back to a confused computer.
- ✔ Transmission Shifting Problems: The PCM works directly with the transmission control module. A failing PCM can cause harsh shifts, delayed shifting, or the transmission getting stuck in one gear (limp mode).
- ✔ Security Light On: The Passlock anti-theft system runs through the PCM. A communication failure here can prevent the vehicle from starting, even with the correct key.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you condemn your PCM, take 15 minutes to check the main engine-to-chassis and battery ground straps. On these GM trucks, a corroded or loose ground can cause low voltage issues that mimic PCM failure. I’ve saved customers hundreds of dollars by simply cleaning a ground connection at the engine block. Also, carefully inspect the large connectors on the PCM itself for any signs of green corrosion or bent pins, especially if you live in an area with heavy road salt usage.
The Direct-Fit, Programmed Solution
If you’ve ruled out the simple stuff and confirmed the PCM is the issue, this is the part you need. This isn’t just a generic computer off a shelf. We take the hassle and guesswork out of the repair by programming it specifically for your truck before it ever leaves our facility.
All you have to do is provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) during checkout. We use this to load the latest, most stable GM-approved software for your exact configuration. This ensures everything from your engine and transmission to your emissions equipment and anti-theft system functions exactly as it did from the factory.
Why is VIN Programming So Important?
- ✔ Plug-and-Play Installation: No need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. Once you receive the module, you simply disconnect the battery, swap the part, and reconnect.
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: VIN programming ensures the PCM recognizes all the specific options your truck was built with.
- ✔ Resolves Software Glitches: Your new PCM comes loaded with all subsequent updates from GM, which often correct drivability and performance issues that were present in the original software.
- ✔ Proper Anti-Theft Operation: The module will be ready to communicate with your vehicle’s security system. A simple key-cycle relearn procedure (instructions included) is typically all that’s needed to sync everything up.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your Vehicle
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and SUVs. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below. This unit is located on the right-hand (passenger side) firewall on Canyon, Colorado, and H3 models.
This module replaces the following part numbers: 12569773, 12588650, 12589311, 12589585, 12591647, 12591648, 12593531, 12593532, 12594430, 12594431, 12596783, 12596784, 12597521, 12597776, 12597777, 12600818, 12604438, 12604439, 12606369, 12606373, 12606374, 12606398, 12606399, 19209820, 19209821.
Compatible Models:
- ✔ 2004-2006 GMC CANYON (RH firewall)
- ✔ 2004-2006 CHEVROLET COLORADO (RH firewall)
- ✔ 2006 HUMMER H3 (RH firewall)
- ✔ 2006 ISUZU I-280 / I-350 (RH firewall)
- ✔ 2006 BUICK RAINIER (4.2L, LH engine)
- ✔ 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER / EXT (4.2L, LH engine)
- ✔ 2006 GMC ENVOY / XL (4.2L, LH engine)
- ✔ 2006 ISUZU ASCENDER (4.2L, LH engine)
- ✔ 2006 SAAB 9-7X (6 cylinder, LH engine)