Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty Chevy, GMC, or Isuzu suddenly running rough, stalling, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? Before you start throwing expensive parts at it, the problem might be its electronic brain: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing PCM can cause a host of frustrating issues that seem impossible to pin down. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution, pre-programmed specifically for your vehicle to restore its original performance and reliability.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Ghost in the Machine
I remember a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 that came into my shop. The owner was at his wit’s end. It had an intermittent no-start condition and would occasionally stall at red lights. Two other shops had already replaced the fuel pump and ignition coil, but the problem persisted. After hooking up my scanner, I noticed erratic data from several sensors, but no hard codes. This is a classic sign. The sensors were fine; the PCM processing their signals wasn’t. We installed a VIN-programmed PCM like this one, performed the security relearn, and the truck ran perfectly. It’s a common failure on these GMT400 and early GMT800 platform vehicles, and a correctly programmed module is the only real fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need. In my experience, these are the most common indicators:
- âś” Unexplained Check Engine Light illumination.
- âś” Stalling, stumbling, or rough idling.
- âś” A complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire.
- âś” Poor fuel economy.
- âś” Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- âś” Failing a state emissions test.
- âś” Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored, such as P0601, P0604, or P0606, indicating internal module failure.
The Smart Solution: Pre-Programmed for Your Truck
The biggest hurdle when replacing a PCM is the programming. Dealerships charge a significant amount for this service alone. We eliminate that step. By providing us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during checkout, we flash this module with the latest official GM software calibration for your exact vehicle. This ensures all engine, transmission, and emissions parameters are correct right out of the box. You receive a part that is truly plug-and-play, saving you time, money, and a trip to the dealer.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the PCM on these GM trucks and vans is a job most DIYers can handle in under an hour with basic hand tools. Follow these steps for a smooth installation.
- 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 trucks (like the 1999 Chevrolet 1500 Pickup), the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the firewall or inner fender. On vans like the Express/Savana, it’s often in the LH rear of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect the Wiring: Carefully unclip and remove the wiring harness connectors. These connectors have locking tabs; do not force them. Inspect the pins for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the PCM from its mounting bracket. There are typically two or three bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: Seat your new, pre-programmed PCM into the mounting bracket and secure it with the original bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors back into the new PCM until they click into place. Reconnect your vehicle’s negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: You will likely need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a CASE learn) so the vehicle recognizes the new PCM. This procedure typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’, and repeating two more times before starting the engine. Instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, and 21811787. It fits a wide range of GM trucks and vans. Please check the list below to confirm your vehicle is included. Matching the ID number (e.g., 16263494) found on your original module is the best way 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
After physical installation, you must perform the vehicle’s security relearn procedure. This syncs the new PCM to your vehicle’s anti-theft system. It’s a simple key-on/key-off process that typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.