Is your 1999-2000 Silverado 1500 running rough, stalling, or throwing a stubborn check engine light? You’re not just driving a truck; you’re relying on a workhorse. When its brain—the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and confusing issues. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty PCM can mimic a dozen other problems, costing you time and money on unnecessary parts. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution to restore your truck’s reliability and performance.
This isn’t a generic, off-the-shelf module. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Before we ship, we flash this PCM with the latest official GM software updates, specifically programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. This critical step ensures seamless communication between your engine, transmission, and other systems, restoring the precise performance characteristics your truck was built with. You get a module that’s truly plug-and-play, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
Case Study: The Ghost Misfire
A customer brought in a 2000 GMC Sierra with the 4.3L V6, a truck nearly identical to the Silverado platform. He was chasing a random misfire (P0300) and poor fuel economy for months. He’d already replaced the spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and even the fuel pressure regulator. The truck would run fine for a day, then start sputtering again. After verifying his new parts were good and checking for vacuum leaks, I hooked up my scope to the injector drivers at the PCM. The signal for cylinder 3 was erratic. The culprit wasn’t a bad injector or wire; it was a failing driver inside the original PCM. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, performed the security relearn, and the truck has run perfectly ever since. It’s a classic example of how the 1999-2000 Silverado 1500 PCM can be the root cause of seemingly unrelated issues.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your engine’s computer needs attention:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0602, or P0606 (Internal Module Failure).
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Engine stalls, stumbles, or misfires randomly.
- ✔ The vehicle fails to start, even with a good battery and starter.
- ✔ Failure to communicate with a diagnostic scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the 1999-2000 Silverado 1500 PCM is a job most DIYers can handle in their own driveway. The module is typically located in the engine bay on the driver’s side, near the battery or firewall.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the PCM: Find the existing module in your engine bay. It will have several large multi-pin electrical connectors.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip and remove all electrical connectors from the old PCM. These connectors often have locking tabs that need to be released. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and securely re-attach the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (If Necessary): In many cases, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure so the vehicle recognizes the new PCM. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’, and repeating two more times before starting the engine. Consult your vehicle’s service information for the exact procedure.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM trucks, vans, and SUVs. It is compatible with part numbers 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, and 218-11787. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below. The key is providing us with your VIN to ensure perfect programming.
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 99-00 (4.3L V6)
GMC SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 99-00 (4.3L V6)
CHEVROLET/GMC S10/S15/SONOMA 1998-2000 (4.3L V6)
CHEVROLET BLAZER / GMC JIMMY 1998-2000
OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA 1998-2000
GMC ENVOY 1998-2000
CHEVROLET ASTRO / GMC SAFARI VAN 1999-2001
CHEVROLET EXPRESS / GMC SAVANA VANS (1500/2500/3500) 1999-2002 (Gasoline Engines)
CHEVROLET TAHOE / GMC YUKON 1999-2000
CADILLAC ESCALADE 1999-2000
ISUZU HOMBRE 1998-2000 (4.3L V6)
Note: Some 1998 models require build date option ZN4. Please check your service parts sticker or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the PCM with the exact software and calibrations for your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and options. This ensures a perfect match and proper function right out of the box.
Is this module difficult to install?
No, this is a straightforward replacement. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the old module, swapping it with the new one, and reconnecting everything. The most common extra step is a simple security relearn procedure that doesn’t require special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal PCM failure (like codes P0601-P0606) or a fault the PCM is responsible for, then yes, this will resolve the issue. It’s important to ensure other components like sensors and wiring have been checked first.
What happens after I purchase?
After you place your order, you will need to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship the module until we receive this information, as the programming is specific to your truck.
Does this part come with a warranty?
Yes, all our modules come with a warranty. Please see the warranty tab on the product page for complete details and duration.
Is this the correct part for my 5.7L V8?
Yes, this PCM is compatible with a wide range of GM engines from this era, including the 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, and 5.7L V8. The crucial step is providing your VIN so we can load the correct software for your specific engine and vehicle configuration.