Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty Chevrolet or GMC workhorse giving you headaches? If you’re dealing with a persistent Check Engine Light, rough idling, stalling, or erratic transmission shifting, the root cause is often a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless vehicle owners chase expensive sensor replacements when the vehicle’s computer was the real culprit. This module is the central command center for your engine and transmission, and when it fails, it can create a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation by programming this module specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. It arrives at your door with the latest GM factory software updates, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, and engine performance. Stop throwing parts at the problem and get the definitive fix your vehicle needs with a reliable, VIN-programmed 1999 Suburban 2500 PCM.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in a ’99 Tahoe that was driving him crazy. It would randomly stall at stoplights, and the transmission would sometimes refuse to shift out of first gear. He’d already replaced the throttle position sensor and the mass air flow sensor, but the problems persisted with no clear trouble codes. After hooking up my scan tool and monitoring live data, I noticed the fuel trim values were jumping all over the place inconsistently. This pointed away from a single sensor and toward the processor interpreting the data. We installed a VIN-programmed PCM, performed the security relearn, and the truck ran perfectly. It was a classic case of an internal PCM fault that a simple code reader would never catch.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a new PCM is the likely solution.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0605, or other internal module errors.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Poor or inconsistent fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh, erratic, or delayed transmission shifting.
- ✔ Vehicle fails an emissions or smog test.
- ✔ Stalling, hesitation, or rough running conditions.
- ✔ Loss of communication with the scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 1999 Suburban 2500 PCM is a manageable job for a DIYer. The most important part is the security relearn procedure, which syncs the new module with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. No special tools required!
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: On most trucks and SUVs like the Suburban, Tahoe, and Silverado, the PCM is located in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side near the battery or firewall. In vans like the Express/Savana, it’s often in the LH rear of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. There are usually locking tabs that need to be released. Once unplugged, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it.
- Install the New PCM: Bolt the new module into place and securely reconnect all electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (CRITICAL STEP): Do NOT attempt to start the engine yet.
A. Turn the key to the “ON” position (do not crank).
B. Attempt to start the engine; it will crank but not start. The security light may flash or stay on.
C. Leave the key in the “ON” position for 10-12 minutes, until the security light turns off or stops flashing.
D. Turn the key to “OFF” for 10 seconds.
E. Repeat steps C and D two more times for a total of three 10-minute cycles. After the third cycle, the vehicle should start and run normally.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of popular GM vehicles. It is compatible with part numbers 16263494, 16265035, and 8162634940. Please review the comprehensive list below to confirm this part is the correct one for your specific year, make, and model. Matching the ID number (where applicable) is crucial for a successful repair.
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 about this 1999 Suburban 2500 PCM
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the module with the exact software and calibrations your vehicle had when it left the factory, plus any subsequent official GM updates. This ensures perfect compatibility and performance without any additional programming fees.
Is the security relearn procedure difficult?
Not at all! It’s a simple, timed procedure that anyone can do. It involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for about 10 minutes, three times in a row. We provide clear, step-by-step instructions. No tools or prior experience is needed.
Will this fix my ‘No Start’ problem?
If your no-start issue is caused by a failed PCM (a very common reason), then yes, this part will resolve the problem. Symptoms of a PCM-related no-start include the engine cranking normally but not firing up, or a lack of communication with a scan tool.
Is this part new or used?
This is a high-quality, tested replacement module that has been inspected and prepared for service. It is programmed with the latest software and is ready for installation.
What if I order the wrong part?
We strongly encourage you to verify your part number and check the fitment list before ordering. Providing your VIN for programming is the best way to guarantee compatibility. Please contact us with your VIN if you have any doubts before purchasing.