Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or SUV
Is your 2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, or another compatible GM vehicle, suddenly running rough, stalling, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), your vehicle’s central computer, is often the culprit. It governs everything from fuel mixture and spark timing to transmission shifting. When it fails, your truck’s reliability and performance suffer dramatically.
This isn’t just another part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair by pre-programming this PCM specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. This means it arrives with the latest GM software updates, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency right out of the box. You get to skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming—a savings of both time and money.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Electrical Gremlin
I recall a 2005 Sierra 2500 that came into my bay with a laundry list of bizarre, intermittent issues: gauges dropping out, hard shifting, and a random no-start condition. The owner had already replaced the battery and alternator. A scan showed a P0606 code (PCM Processor Fault), but it was intermittent. After checking all major grounds and power feeds to the PCM, we found they were solid. The root cause? The internal processor of the original PCM was failing under heat load, causing unpredictable behavior. Swapping in a quality, correctly programmed PCM like this one solved every single issue instantly. It’s a classic case where the “brain” itself is the problem, not the parts it controls.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can cause a wide range of problems. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution for your 2003-2006 Avalanche 1500 PCM failure and other compatible vehicles:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0602, P0606, or U-series communication codes.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Rough idling, stalling, or hesitation during acceleration.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Communication failure with your OBD-II scan tool.
DIY-Friendly Installation Guide
Replacing the PCM is a straightforward job for a confident DIYer. With this pre-programmed module, you’ll be back on the road in under an hour. Follow these steps:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these trucks and SUVs, the PCM is located in the engine bay, on the driver’s side, often under or near the battery tray.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unclip and remove the wiring harness connectors from the old PCM. These connectors have locking tabs, so be gentle to avoid damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old PCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM onto the bracket and securely re-fasten the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harness connectors firmly into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: After installation, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn). This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. This allows your vehicle’s anti-theft system to recognize the new PCM. Your truck will not start until this is completed.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM Truck or SUV
This module, part number 28042802, is a direct replacement for service numbers 89017750, 12582605, 12589463, 12602802, and 89017734. Please verify your vehicle from the list below. After purchase, simply provide your VIN, and we’ll handle the programming.
ESCALADE 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
ESCALADE EXT 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
HUMMER H2 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), SUV
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
TAHOE 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
YUKON XL 2500 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L, ID 12602802
ENVOY XL 03 Electronic Control Module; 5.3L (next to air box)
SUBURBAN 2500 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
YUKON 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
YUKON XL 2500 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
AVALANCHE 1500 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Electronic Control Module; classic style (creased door skin), (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option; w/o 4.3L
SIERRA DENALI 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 2500 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L, ID 12602802
YUKON XL 1500 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
YUKON XL 1500 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
ESCALADE ESV 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), PCM
ESCALADE ESV 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
HUMMER H2 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), powertrain control
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
SIERRA DENALI 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
SUBURBAN 1500 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
HUMMER H2 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L, ID 12602802
YUKON 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE ESV 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
AVALANCHE 1500 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option; w/o 4.3L; ID 12602802
TAHOE 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
TAHOE 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
YUKON 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L, ID 12602802
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Electronic Control Module; classic style (creased door skin), (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
SUBURBAN 1500 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
ISUZU ASCENDER 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
SSR 03 Electronic Control Module; (next to air box)
SIERRA DENALI 07 Electronic Control Module; classic style (creased door skin), (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 1500 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
TRAILBLAZER EXT 03 Electronic Control Module; 5.3L (next to air box)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option; w/o 4.3L
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 07 Electronic Control Module; classic style (creased door skin), (LH front under battery), gasoline, 6.0L
YUKON XL 1500 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE EXT 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 2500 05-06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
HUMMER H2 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SIERRA DENALI 04 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), ID 12602802
ESCALADE EXT 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), PCM
YUKON XL 2500 03 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN number?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the PCM with the exact software and calibrations your vehicle had when it left the factory, plus any subsequent updates from GM. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and options.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Almost. The module is pre-programmed, so you won’t need a dealer’s scan tool. However, after physical installation, you must perform a security relearn procedure. This simple process syncs the new PCM to your vehicle’s anti-theft system and can be done at home without special tools.
Will this fix my specific check engine light code?
This PCM is a common solution for internal module fault codes like P0601, P0606, and other communication-related errors. If you have codes related to specific sensors, you should diagnose those components first. However, if multiple unrelated codes appear, a faulty PCM is a strong possibility.
What is the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
The terms are often used interchangeably. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is the more accurate term for modern vehicles as it controls both the engine (Engine Control Module or ECM) and the transmission functions. This unit controls both.
Is this a reliable, long-term fix?
Absolutely. Each module is thoroughly inspected and programmed to meet or exceed original factory specifications. We ensure it’s loaded with the most stable and current software from GM to provide a lasting solution to your vehicle’s issues.