Restore Peak Performance to Your 1996 GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty 1996 Chevrolet Express 2500 Van running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or refusing to start altogether? These frustrating issues often point directly to a failing Engine Control Module (ECM), the central computer of your vehicle. When the brain of your engine falters, everything from fuel delivery to spark timing can become erratic, leaving you stranded. This isn’t just an inconvenience; for a workhorse vehicle, downtime means lost time and money. We offer a dependable and straightforward solution: a professionally programmed ECM, loaded with the latest GM software specific to your vehicle’s VIN.
This module, compatible with part numbers 16208546 and 16244210, is the definitive fix for a wide range of engine management problems. Unlike a generic part from a salvage yard, each unit we ship is meticulously flashed to match your exact vehicle configuration. This critical step ensures seamless communication with your transmission, anti-lock brakes, and other onboard systems, restoring the precise performance and fuel efficiency you expect from your GM vehicle. By providing us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) after purchase, you receive a true plug-and-play component, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Intermittent No-Start Nightmare
I remember a 1996 GMC Sierra C1500—which uses this exact same ECM—that came into my shop with a maddeningly intermittent no-start problem. The owner had replaced the battery, starter, and ignition switch, but the truck would still randomly refuse to crank. We checked all the basics: fuel pressure was good, spark was present when it ran, and the battery connections were clean. After hours of tracing wires, we noticed the fault only happened after the engine was hot. On a hunch, we used a heat gun on the ECM. Sure enough, after a few minutes of warmth, the check engine light would flicker and the fuel pump relay would stop clicking. The internal processor was failing under thermal stress, a classic failure mode for these older modules. A new, properly programmed ECM fixed it instantly. This is why a quality replacement is key—it solves the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with communication or internal processor codes (e.g., P0601, P0605).
- ✔ The engine cranks but will not start.
- ✔ Severe performance issues, such as stalling, hesitation, or poor fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Intermittent loss of power to the fuel pump or ignition system.
- ✔ Communication loss with the diagnostic scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental reconnection.
- ✔ Locate the ECM: On most 1996 GM trucks and vans like the Express, the ECM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side (LH), often near the battery or on the inner fender.
- ✔ Disconnect the Module: Carefully unplug the electrical harness connectors from the old ECM. There are typically release tabs that need to be depressed. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- ✔ Remove the Old Unit: Unbolt the mounting hardware that secures the ECM to its bracket or the vehicle body.
- ✔ Install the New ECM: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM in the same location and secure it with the original hardware.
- ✔ Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the electrical connectors into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn (If Necessary): While this ECM is VIN-programmed, some GM vehicles of this era require a simple security relearn procedure to allow the vehicle to start. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeating this cycle three times. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the exact procedure.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM is a direct-fit replacement for the following 1996 GM models. Please ensure your vehicle is on this list to guarantee compatibility.
- ASTRO 96 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery)
- BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L)
- BRAVADA 96 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L)
- CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- EXPRESS 1500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module
- EXPRESS 2500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
- EXPRESS 3500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
- GMC 1500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- GMC 2500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- GMC 3500 PICKUP 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- S10/S15/SONOMA 96 Electronic Control Module; 6-262 (4.3L)
- SAFARI (GMC) 96 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery)
- SAVANA 1500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module
- SAVANA 2500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
- SAVANA 3500 VAN 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
- SUBURBAN 1500 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- SUBURBAN 2500 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- TAHOE 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
- YUKON 96 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN programming mean for me?
It means we load your vehicle’s specific identification number and factory software onto the ECM before we ship it. This ensures the module works perfectly with your engine, transmission, and options, making installation simple and avoiding a costly trip to the dealer for programming.
Do I need any special tools to install this?
No special tools are required for the physical installation, which typically involves basic hand tools like a socket set. After installation, some vehicles may require a simple key-cycle security relearn procedure, which does not require any tools.
How do I provide you with my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, simply send us a message with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we receive this information.
Is this a new part?
This is a high-quality, tested, and verified replacement part that has been programmed with the latest stable software from GM. It is guaranteed to restore your vehicle’s original functionality.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty ECM (common codes include P0601-P0606), then this part is the correct solution. However, you should always have the codes read with a scanner to confirm the diagnosis before ordering.