Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or Van
Is your trusty 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 suddenly running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? Before you start throwing expensive sensors at the problem, it’s time to consider the brain of the operation: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles from this era exhibit baffling issues that all trace back to a failing PCM. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a reliable, pre-programmed solution designed to get your vehicle running smoothly again without a costly trip to the dealership.
From the Diagnostic Bay
I remember a customer with a ’99 Tahoe—a vehicle that uses this exact same PCM family. He was chasing a ghost. The truck would randomly refuse to shift out of first gear, and then, just as randomly, it would work perfectly for days. He’d replaced the vehicle speed sensor and was about to spend over a thousand dollars on a transmission rebuild. I hooked up my scanner and saw no hard transmission codes, just some erratic data from the PCM. We swapped in a VIN-programmed module like this one, and the problem vanished instantly. Heat and age can cause internal solder joints in these PCMs to fail, leading to intermittent problems that mimic major mechanical failures. This simple swap saved him a massive headache and a huge repair bill.
Is Your GM Truck or Van Showing These Signs?
A failing PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution your vehicle needs. Look out for:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or other communication faults.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or difficulty starting the engine.
- ✔ Rough or unstable idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions inspection.
- ✔ The engine seems to have a loss of power.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best features of this module is that it arrives ready to install. Because we program it with your vehicle’s VIN and the latest GM software updates, you can perform the replacement yourself with basic hand tools. This is a perfect job for a DIY enthusiast.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the PCM: On most trucks like the 1999 Suburban 2500, the PCM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the firewall or inner fender. On vans, it’s often in the LH rear of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module. There are typically release tabs you’ll need to press or lift. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will reuse it.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and secure it with the original hardware.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Some vehicles may require a security relearn procedure, which can often be done without special tools. A common method is to turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeat two more times before starting the engine.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your vehicle is on this list and that the part number on your existing module matches one of the compatible numbers: 16263494, 16265035, 8162634940, 218-11787, 21811787.
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
Do I need to get this programmed by a dealer?
No. We handle all the programming for you before we ship the part. Just provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and it will arrive ready to install with the latest GM software updates.
What is the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
ECM (Engine Control Module) and PCM (Powertrain Control Module) are often used interchangeably. A PCM is a type of ECM that also controls the transmission and other powertrain functions, which is standard on most vehicles like your 1999 Suburban 2500.
Where do I find my vehicle’s VIN?
Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Is this a difficult part to replace for a DIYer?
Not at all. With basic hand tools and our installation guide above, most DIY mechanics can replace this module in under an hour. The most important part is that the programming is already done for you.
Will this fix my failed emissions test?
In many cases, yes. A faulty PCM can cause a rich or lean fuel mixture, leading to high emissions. Replacing a bad module and restoring proper engine function is a common solution for passing an emissions test.