Is Your Workhorse Van Down for the Count?
There’s nothing more frustrating than a 1998-1999 GMC Savana 3500 that won’t start, runs rough, or throws a confusing mix of check engine light codes. You rely on this van for your livelihood, and downtime is lost money. Often, after you’ve checked the basicsโspark, fuel, and airโthe real problem lies with the vehicle’s brain: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues countless times. A failing PCM in these GM vans can cause a cascade of problems that seem unrelated, from harsh shifting and poor fuel economy to a complete no-start condition. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central command center for your engine and transmission.
The Simple, Reliable Solution for Your 1998-1999 Savana 3500 PCM
Forget the massive expense and hassle of a dealership visit. This is a dependable, tested PCM sourced from a salvaged vehicle, ready to get your Savana back on the road. We take all the guesswork out of the process. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, and we will program the module with the latest GM software specific to your van. It arrives at your door ready to installโno additional programming needed.
From the Shop Floor: A Real-World Scenario
“A customer’s ’99 Savana 3500 work van came in on a tow truck last month. It would crank but not start. He had already spent a fortune replacing the fuel pump, crank sensor, and even the ignition module. After a quick diagnostic check, I suspected the PCM. The fuel pump driver circuit inside the original module had failedโa common weak point I’ve diagnosed on hundreds of these GM Vortec platforms. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, and the van fired right up. It’s a classic case where the root cause is the computer, not the parts it controls.”
Key Benefits of This Programmed PCM
- โ VIN-Specific Programming: We flash the module with your van’s exact VIN, ensuring all factory settings and the latest GM operational updates are loaded for perfect compatibility.
- โ Plug-and-Play Installation: Because it’s pre-programmed, you can install it yourself in minutes. No need for expensive dealer-only scan tools or software subscriptions.
- โ Solves Common Issues: A direct fix for no-start conditions, erratic engine performance, false sensor codes, and inconsistent transmission shifting.
- โ Cost-Effective Repair: Get a reliable, tested OEM part that’s been professionally programmed for a fraction of the cost of a new module from a dealer.
Easy Installation Guide
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the PCM: On most 1998-1999 Savana vans, the PCM is located in the engine compartment, typically on the driver’s side (LH rear engine compartment).
- Disconnect the Old Module: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. There are usually release tabs that need to be pressed or lifted.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM in the same location and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal. Your van is now ready to start.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans from this era. It is compatible with multiple part numbers, including 09355699, 16266645, 16250279, 16258815, and 9366810. If your original module carries any of these numbers, this is the correct part for you. It fits everything from a Chevy Express Van to a Cadillac Escalade, demonstrating its wide application across the GM lineup.