Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty 1998-1999 Suburban 1500, Tahoe, or Express Van suddenly stalling, running rough, or throwing a stubborn Check Engine Light? Before you start throwing expensive parts at the problem, the issue might be its electronic brain: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As an experienced technician, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing PCM can cause a cascade of frustrating, hard-to-diagnose issues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects your vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy, and ability to pass emissions tests.
We offer a dependable and cost-effective solution. This is a thoroughly tested, used OEM PCM that we program specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. This critical step ensures all factory settings are correct for your engine, transmission, and options. We also flash it with the latest available software updates from General Motors. These updates often address factory-discovered bugs and can improve drivability and efficiency—a benefit you won’t get from a standard junkyard part. By choosing this pre-programmed 1998-1999 Suburban 1500 PCM, you’re getting a part that’s ready for installation right out of the box, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Stall
A customer brought in his ’99 Tahoe with a problem that was driving him crazy. It would run perfectly for days, then suddenly die at a stoplight. No codes, no warning. He’d already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil. After checking all the basics, my gut told me it was the PCM. These early PCMs can develop internal connection failures from years of heat cycles. When they get hot, a connection breaks, and the engine cuts out. Once it cools, it works again. We swapped in a pre-programmed PCM like this one, and the problem vanished instantly. It’s a classic failure mode, and this module is the definitive fix.
Is Your GM Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your PCM is a likely culprit:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light, especially with internal module codes like P0601 or P0606.
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or rough idling, particularly when the engine is warm.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions or smog inspections.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
Replacing the PCM on these GM trucks is a job most DIYers can handle in under an hour. Here’s a simple guide to get it done:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes before starting work.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these trucks and vans (like the Suburban or Tahoe), you’ll find the PCM in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the fender or firewall. It’s a silver box with multiple large wiring harness connectors.
- Disconnect the Old Module: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Once unplugged, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New PCM: Bolt your new, pre-programmed PCM into place. Firmly reconnect all wiring harnesses, ensuring they click and lock securely.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Start the vehicle. In many cases, it will start and run perfectly. Some vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock relearn), which can be done without special tools. Instructions are widely available online or in your owner’s manual.
Verified Fitment For These GM Models
This module is a direct replacement for units with Service No. 16258815 or an interchange part number like 09355699. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles (please verify your specific options):
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 98 (RH front engine compartment), w/o build date opt ZN4; ID 9355699
BRAVADA 98 (6-262, 4.3L), w/o build date opt ZN4; ID 9355699
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
ENVOY 98 (RH front engine compartment), w/o build date opt ZN4; ID 9355699
ESCALADE 99 (LH front engine compartment), ID 9355699
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 98-99, ID 9355699
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
GMC 1500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
GMC 2500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
GMC 3500 PICKUP 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
ISUZU HOMBRE 98 (4.3L), w/o extended build date opt ZN4; ID 9355699
S10/S15/SONOMA 98 (4.3L), w/o build date opt ZN4; ID 9355699
SAFARI (GMC) 98 (LH front by battery), ID 9355699
SAVANA 1500 VAN 98-99, ID 9355699
SAVANA 2500 VAN 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
SAVANA 3500 VAN 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
SUBURBAN 1500 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
SUBURBAN 2500 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
TAHOE 98-99 (gasoline), ID 9355699
YUKON 98-99, ID 9355699
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1998-1999 Suburban 1500 PCM
Will I need to do anything else after installing it?
Because this is programmed to your VIN, no further programming is needed. However, some GM vehicles of this era may require a simple security relearn procedure to sync the module with your key’s anti-theft chip. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and does not require any special tools.