Restore Your GM Truck or Van’s Performance and Reliability
Is your workhorse Savana, Express, or Sierra suddenly unreliable? Dealing with a frustrating no-start condition, erratic idling, or a persistent check engine light can bring your workday to a halt. As the central computer for your engine and transmission, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit behind these baffling issues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a loss of time and money. This replacement 1999-2002 Savana 3500 PCM is the dependable, straightforward solution to get your vehicle back on the road and running as it should.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Unlike a generic module from a parts store or salvage yard, this PCM arrives at your door programmed specifically for your vehicle. Simply provide us with your VIN during checkout, and our technicians will flash the unit with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This critical step ensures seamless communication between all your vehicle’s systems, optimizes engine performance, and can even resolve factory bugs that your original module had.
From the Diagnostic Bay
I remember a fleet customer with a 2001 Express 3500 work van that was driving his crew crazy. It would randomly stall at traffic lights, but only when the engine was hot. They had already replaced the fuel pump and crank sensor with no luck. After hooking up my scan tool, I noticed intermittent communication loss with the PCM—a classic sign of the main processor failing under heat. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, and the van was back in reliable service the same afternoon. It’s a common failure on these hardworking GM vans, and a pre-flashed module is the fastest, most effective fix.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These Signs?
- ✔ Engine stalling or cutting out unexpectedly
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ A persistent Check Engine Light, especially with codes like P0601, P0602, or P0606 (Internal Control Module Memory Error)
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration
- ✔ Inconsistent or non-functioning gauges
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test
A Straightforward Guide to Your PCM Installation
Replacing the 1999-2002 Savana 3500 PCM is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. For Savana and Express vans, the module is typically located in the engine compartment on the left-hand (driver’s) side, near the rear.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes to allow the systems to fully power down.
- Locate the Old PCM: Identify the existing module. It’s a metal box with several large multi-pin electrical connectors.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove each wiring harness connector. They often have a locking tab or lever. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt your new, pre-programmed PCM into place.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly re-seat all wiring harness connectors until they click and lock. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform a Security Relearn (If Necessary): In many cases, the vehicle will start and run immediately. Some GM vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure, which typically involves cycling the key. Instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCM and what does it do?
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is your vehicle’s main computer. It controls all aspects of engine and transmission function, from fuel injection and spark timing to emission controls and automatic gear changes, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Why is providing my VIN so important?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the PCM with the exact software and calibrations for your specific engine, transmission, and options package. This ensures 100% compatibility and is a step that dealerships charge hundreds for.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
For most individuals with basic mechanical skills, this is a very manageable job. It’s typically a bolt-off, bolt-on process. The most important part is carefully disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harnesses. No complex programming is needed on your end.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is on due to an internal failure of the old PCM (like a P0601 code), this new module will resolve the issue. If the light is on for another reason (e.g., a bad oxygen sensor), that separate problem will still need to be addressed.
Are there any other steps after installation?
While many vehicles will start right up, some GM models require a security or CASE relearn procedure to sync the new PCM with the vehicle’s anti-theft system and crankshaft position sensor. This can often be done without special tools and instructions are widely available.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for units with part numbers 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, or 21811787. Please confirm your part number or use the fitment list below to ensure compatibility.
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SAVANA 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
ASTRO 00-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
GMC 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
S10/S15/SONOMA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L
SAVANA 1500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
ASTRO 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), (4.3L), ID 16263494
ISUZU HOMBRE 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L (6 cylinder)
SAFARI (GMC) 99-01 Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery), ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
GMC 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 3500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
TAHOE 00 Electronic Control Module; Classic style (LH front engine compartment)
YUKON 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
ESCALADE 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
ESCALADE 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
S10/S15/SONOMA 98 Electronic Control Module; 6-262 (4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
YUKON 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), Denali
BRAVADA 98 Electronic Control Module; (6-262, 4.3L), w/build date opt ZN4
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
GMC 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
ISUZU HOMBRE 98 Electronic Control Module; 4.3L (6 cylinder), w/extended build date opt ZN4
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SAVANA 2500 VAN 00 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SUBURBAN 1500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.7L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
GMC 2500 PICKUP 00 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6 cylinder
SUBURBAN 2500 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 1500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), ID 16263494
TAHOE 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494
BRAVADA 99-00 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; 5.0L, (LH engine compartment), ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 99 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
SAVANA 2500 VAN 01-02 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline, ID 16263494
ENVOY 98 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), w/build date opt ZN4
GMC 2500 PICKUP 99 Electronic Control Module; gasoline (LH front engine compartment), ID 16263494