Is Your Truck or Van Running Rough? The Problem Could Be Its Brain.
If you’re dealing with a persistent Check Engine Light, poor fuel economy, erratic shifting, or even a no-start condition on your late 90s or early 2000s GM vehicle, the culprit is often the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As the central computer of your vehicle, the PCM controls everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shift points. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose issues. Don’t keep throwing money at sensors and parts hoping to find a fix. Address the core of the problem with a reliable, correctly programmed engine computer.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 2000 Chevy Express van come in that the owner had spent nearly a thousand dollars on. He’d replaced the fuel pump, crank sensor, and all the spark plugs chasing an intermittent stalling problem. The van would run fine for a few days, then die at a stoplight and refuse to restart for an hour. No consistent codes were stored, just a generic misfire now and then. After confirming fuel pressure and spark were good during a normal run, we hooked up a scope to the injector control signals from the PCM. Sure enough, when the engine got hot, the signal to injector #3 would drop out completely. The driver circuit inside the original PCM was failing under heat. A replacement, pre-programmed PCM fixed the issue permanently. It’s a classic case where the symptoms point everywhere, but the root cause is the computer itself.
Why Choose Our Programmed PCM 16263494?
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a comprehensive solution. We take a quality-tested Powertrain Control Module and flash it with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. The key difference is that we program it specifically to your vehicle’s unique VIN before it ever leaves our facility. This ensures perfect compatibility and function right out of the box. You get a module that is ready for installation, saving you the time, hassle, and high cost of a trip to the dealership for programming.
Common Symptoms of a Failing PCM:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with various or no specific codes
- ✔ Vehicle fails to start or starts intermittently
- ✔ Rough idling or stalling
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Engine performance issues like hesitation or sputtering
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Plug-and-Play Installation Process
Our goal is to make this repair as straightforward as possible for both professional technicians and DIY mechanics. The process is simple:
- Place Your Order: Add this module to your cart and complete the purchase.
- Provide Your VIN: After ordering, simply send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. This is crucial for us to load the correct software.
- We Program & Ship: Our technicians will program the module and ship it directly to you.
- Install the Module: Disconnect your vehicle’s battery. Locate and swap your old PCM with the new one. Reconnect the battery. In most cases, the vehicle will start and run perfectly. Some vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure, which typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-12 minutes.
By providing a module that is already matched to your vehicle, we eliminate the most complex step of the repair, allowing you to restore your vehicle’s performance with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the PCM do?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), also known as the Engine Control Module (ECM), is the main computer that manages your vehicle’s engine and transmission. It takes data from dozens of sensors to control fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions systems, and automatic transmission shifting to ensure optimal performance, fuel economy, and low emissions.
Do I need to take this part to a dealer for programming?
No. The main benefit of our service is that we handle all the programming for you. We use your vehicle’s VIN to load the correct factory software and updates before we ship it. This makes the unit ready for installation when you receive it.
Where is the PCM located on my vehicle?
The location varies by model. On many of the trucks and SUVs like the Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, and Yukon, it’s located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the battery. On vans like the Express and Savana, it’s typically in the LH rear of the engine compartment. For S10/Blazer/Jimmy platforms, it’s often on the RH side of the engine compartment.
Will I need to perform a security relearn procedure?
It’s possible. Many GM vehicles of this era use a Passlock or VATS security system that may need to be synchronized with the new PCM. This is a simple procedure you can do yourself, usually involving turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-12 minutes, then off, then starting the vehicle. We can provide instructions if needed.
How can I be sure this fits my vehicle?
This module replaces several part numbers, including 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. Please check the extensive fitment list on this page. The most important step is providing us with your VIN, which allows us to guarantee it is programmed correctly for your exact make, model, year, and options.