Is Your GM Truck or SUV Stalling, Hesitating, or Refusing to Start?
There’s nothing more frustrating than a vehicle that won’t run reliably. If your 2007-2009 GM vehicle is experiencing sudden stalls, has trouble starting, or displays a check engine light with fuel-related codes like P069E, P0230, or U0109, the culprit is often not the fuel pump itself, but its electronic brain: the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM). This component, also known as a Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) or Fuel System Control Module (FSCM), is critical for modern fuel delivery, and when it fails, it can mimic a wide range of other issues, leading to misdiagnosis and costly, unnecessary repairs.
This replacement FPCM, part number 20759945, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Unlike a generic part from a local store, this module is delivered to you pre-programmed with the latest official GM software, specifically matched to your vehicle using its unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means you can bypass the expensive and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming. It’s a true plug-and-play fix that gets you back on the road faster.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 2008 Silverado 1500 towed in that would crank all day but never start. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump himself, assuming it was the obvious cause, but the problem persisted. When we hooked up our scan tool, we saw no fuel pressure reading and a U0109 code for ‘Lost Communication with Fuel Pump Control Module’. Instead of digging into the tank again, we went straight to the FPCM mounted on the driver-side frame rail. It was heavily corroded from years of exposure to road salt and moisture. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, and the truck fired up on the first turn of the key. It’s a classic case where diagnosing the system, not just the part, saves time and money. The FPCM is the unsung hero of the fuel system, and often the first point of failure.
Why Your GM Fuel Pump Control Module Fails and What to Look For
The FPCM is responsible for precisely managing the voltage sent to your in-tank fuel pump. Instead of running the pump at full speed all the time, the FPCM adjusts its speed based on engine demand. This provides more accurate fuel pressure, reduces strain on the pump, and improves fuel efficiency. However, on many GM trucks and SUVs, this module is mounted on the frame, where it’s exposed to water, road salt, and vibrations, leading to corrosion and internal electronic failure. A failing FPCM can leave you stranded without warning.
Common Symptoms of a Bad FPCM:
- ✔ Engine Cranks but Won’t Start: The module isn’t sending power to the fuel pump, so no fuel reaches the engine.
- ✔ Sudden Stalling: The engine may stall while driving, sometimes restarting after it cools down, indicating an intermittent electronic fault.
- ✔ Hesitation or Stumbling on Acceleration: The FPCM fails to command the correct fuel pressure under load, causing the engine to struggle.
- ✔ Check Engine Light: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P069E, U0109, P0230, and P0606 are strong indicators of an FPCM issue.
- ✔ Reduced Engine Power Message: The vehicle’s main computer (ECM) may put the engine into a ‘limp mode’ due to inconsistent fuel system data.
- ✔ Loud Fuel Pump Whine: An erratic module can sometimes cause the fuel pump to run at maximum speed constantly, creating an audible noise from the tank.
The VIN-Programmed Advantage
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. Each GM Fuel Pump Control Module is meticulously programmed with the most current software available from General Motors. This process ensures perfect communication between the FPCM and your vehicle’s other computers, restoring original factory performance and often correcting software glitches present in the original module. Simply provide us with your VIN during checkout, and our technicians will handle the complex programming before the part ever leaves our facility.
Compatible Part Numbers:
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of original part numbers, ensuring broad compatibility. Replaces part numbers: 13501024, 15213110, 20759945, 20850907, 25785013, 25854536, 25866052, 25967325.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Fuel Pump Control Module do?
The FPCM acts as a smart controller for your fuel pump. It receives commands from the Engine Control Module (ECM) and precisely regulates the voltage and speed of the fuel pump to deliver the exact amount of fuel the engine needs at any given moment. This is more efficient than older systems that ran the pump at full power continuously.
Is this module difficult to install?
For most of the listed GM trucks and SUVs, the FPCM is located on the driver’s side frame rail, near the spare tire. Installation is typically straightforward for someone with basic mechanical skills. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the electrical connector, and removing a few bolts. Since our module is pre-programmed, no special tools or software are needed for the electronic setup.
Do I absolutely need to get this part programmed?
Yes. An unprogrammed Fuel Pump Control Module will not work in your vehicle. It must be calibrated to your specific vehicle’s VIN to communicate with the ECM and other onboard systems. We take care of this critical step for you, so your part arrives ready for installation.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we receive and validate your VIN for programming. You can typically find your VIN on your driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
Will this fix a P069E trouble code?
The code P069E (Fuel Pump Control Module Requested MIL Illumination) is a very common indicator of a failing FPCM. While you should always perform a complete diagnosis, in the vast majority of cases for these GM vehicles, replacing the FPCM with a properly programmed unit is the correct fix for this code.