Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Workhorse
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I know the frustration of a vehicle that just won’t run right. When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—the brain of your engine—starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing problems. Your reliable 1999-2002 GMC Savana 3500 Van can suddenly feel unpredictable, costing you time and money. This isn’t just a part; it’s the solution to getting your dependable van back in service, whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a weekend DIY warrior.
This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all module. We take your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and flash this PCM with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This critical step ensures that once installed, your engine and transmission operate exactly as the manufacturer intended, restoring lost power, fuel efficiency, and smooth shifting. By purchasing this pre-programmed 1999-2002 Savana 3500 PCM, you bypass the expensive trip to the dealership for programming, saving you hundreds of dollars and significant downtime.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent No-Start
I remember a 2001 Savana 3500 work van that came into my bay with a ghost of a problem. The owner, a plumber, said it would randomly refuse to start—no crank, no click. Other times, it would run perfectly for weeks. He’d already replaced the battery and starter. After checking all the usual suspects, my high-end scan tool kept losing communication with the PCM. That was the clue. These modules, especially when exposed to years of heat cycles in the engine bay, can develop internal connection failures. We installed a VIN-programmed PCM, and the van never had the issue again. It’s a classic failure mode that a simple part swap can’t fix without the correct software.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty module could be the culprit:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear.
- ✔ Stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0601, P0604, or P0606, which point directly to an internal module fault.
- ✔ Unexplained drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Complete no-start or intermittent starting issues.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
Installing your new 1999-2002 Savana 3500 PCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. Follow these steps carefully for a successful replacement.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent any accidental reconnection.
- Locate the PCM: On most Savana and Express vans of this era, the PCM is located in the engine compartment, typically on the driver’s side (LH) rear area, mounted to the firewall or inner fender.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove the electrical wiring harness connectors. These connectors have locking tabs; be gentle to avoid breaking them. Note their orientation.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket. There will typically be a few bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and secure it with the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors back into the new PCM. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step – Security Relearn: In many cases, you are now ready to go. However, some GM vehicles may require a security or crankshaft position sensor (CASE) relearn procedure. This can often be done without special tools (e.g., turning the key to ‘ON’ for 10-15 minutes) or with a capable bi-directional scan tool. Consult a service manual for your specific vehicle’s procedure if it doesn’t start immediately.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans. Please verify your vehicle is on this list and that your original part number matches one of the compatible numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787. Providing your VIN at checkout is essential for us to deliver a perfectly matched and programmed part.
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
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 calibration file for your van’s specific engine, transmission, and options. This ensures perfect compatibility and performance, just like a new module from the factory.
Is this part difficult to install?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, this is a very manageable job. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the old module, unbolting it, and reversing the process. Please see our installation guide above for more details.
Will this fix my Check Engine Light?
If the Check Engine Light is caused by an internal failure of the PCM (common codes like P0601-P0606), then yes, this will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to properly diagnose the problem first, as the light can be on for many other reasons.
What does a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) do?
The PCM is the central computer that controls all aspects of your engine and transmission. It manages fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions systems, and shift points to ensure the vehicle runs efficiently and reliably.
Do I need to do anything after installation?
This module is sent ready to install. In some cases, your vehicle may need a simple security relearn procedure, which can often be done without special tools. A crankshaft position sensor (CASE) relearn might also be beneficial and can be performed by any shop with a professional scan tool.