Get Your Workhorse Back on the Job
Is your dependable 1998-1999 Chevrolet 3500 suddenly stalling, shifting erratically, or showing a persistent check engine light? A failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can bring your truck to a grinding halt, disrupting your work and your day. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that affects engine performance, fuel economy, and transmission function. Get back on the road with confidence with this reliable, fully programmed replacement PCM.
Common Symptoms & Your Solution
A faulty PCM can manifest in numerous ways, often mimicking other sensor or component failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the definitive solution you need:
- No-Start or Intermittent Stalling: The engine cranks but won’t start, or it dies unexpectedly while driving.
- Harsh or Erratic Shifting: Your automatic transmission may shift hard, slip between gears, or get stuck in one gear.
- Check Engine Light (CEL): Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) pointing to a bad computer include P0601, P0602, P0604, and P0606.
- Poor Fuel Economy & Performance: A noticeable drop in MPG and sluggish acceleration can be traced back to incorrect fuel and timing calculations from a failing PCM.
- Communication Errors: Your mechanic’s scan tool is unable to communicate with the vehicle’s computer.
This unit is the direct fix for these issues. We take a tested, genuine OEM computer and program it using your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures all software is correct for your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and factory options, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming. The 1998-1999 Chevrolet 3500 PCM 16266645 arrives ready for installation.
Features & Benefits
- ✔ VIN-Programmed for Your Truck: We flash the module with the latest GM software updates specific to your VIN, ensuring perfect compatibility and performance right out of the box.
- ✔ Plug & Play Installation: Once you perform the simple security relearn procedure, this unit is ready to go. No dealership visit required.
- ✔ Restores Original Performance: Fixes frustrating issues like poor shifting, stalling, and false sensor codes, making your truck run like it should.
- ✔ Cost-Effective Solution: Get a reliable, programmed computer for a fraction of the cost of a new unit from the dealer.
- ✔ Broad Compatibility: This module is a direct replacement for multiple part numbers, including 09355699, 16266645, 9355699, and more, fitting a wide range of GM trucks and vans.
- ✔ Peace of Mind: This unit is backed by our one-year replacement warranty.
An Expert’s Note on Vortec-Era Computers
As a technician who’s spent years working on these GM trucks, I can’t overstate the importance of correct programming. The PCM in your late-90s Chevy isn’t just an engine controller; it’s the central brain that manages the 4L60E or 4L80E transmission, the ABS, and even the instrument cluster. Using a generic, un-programmed module from a junkyard is a recipe for disaster—you’ll face shifting problems, incorrect speedometer readings, and persistent error codes. Our VIN-specific programming service ensures that the computer knows exactly what components are in your truck, from the axle ratio to the tire size, which is critical for restoring its original reliability and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything after I install this PCM?
Yes. After installation, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, also known as a VATS relearn. This process syncs the new computer with your vehicle’s anti-theft system and typically involves turning the key on and off in a specific sequence. Instructions are readily available online, or your mechanic will be familiar with the process.
How do I provide my vehicle’s VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you can add your VIN to the order notes or simply reply to your order confirmation email with the 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship the part until we have this information to program it correctly for your truck.
Is this a new part?
No, this is a high-quality, used OEM computer that has been sourced from a salvaged vehicle, thoroughly inspected, and tested to ensure full functionality. We then program it to your vehicle’s specifications.
Will this computer fix my exact problem?
This PCM is the solution for a wide range of electronic and performance issues. However, we always recommend a thorough diagnosis by a qualified technician to rule out other potential causes, such as faulty wiring, grounds, or sensors, before replacing the computer.
What makes your service different from just buying a used part?
The critical difference is our professional programming service. A standard used part will not work correctly in your vehicle because its software is configured for the donor vehicle’s options. Our service flashes the computer with the correct software for *your* specific VIN, making it a true plug-and-play solution and saving you hundreds in dealership programming fees.