Get Your Workhorse Van Back on the Road, Fast.
Is your 2003 Chevy Express 2500 letting you down? When your van is your business, downtime isn’t just an inconvenienceโit’s lost income. If you’re dealing with a persistent Check Engine Light, erratic shifting, stalling, or a frustrating no-start condition, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is often the culprit. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct-fit, reliable solution to restore your van’s performance and get you back to work.
We take the guesswork and dealer hassle out of the equation. Each PCM is professionally flashed with the latest official GM software updates, specifically matched to your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures perfect communication between your engine and transmission, restoring factory performance and fuel efficiency. Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we handle the complex programming for you.
Is Your 2003 Express 2500 PCM Failing?
In my 20+ years as a technician, I’ve seen how a failing PCM can create a cascade of confusing problems. It’s the brain of your vehicle, and when it malfunctions, the symptoms can be all over the place. Here are the most common signs I see in the shop:
- โ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear
- โ Vehicle refuses to start or stalls intermittently
- โ Harsh, erratic, or delayed automatic transmission shifting
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
- โ Multiple unrelated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in memory
- โ Communication errors with scan tools
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds Before Replacing
Before you condemn your old PCM, take 10 minutes to perform a critical check I’ve seen save customers hundreds of dollars. On these GM vans and trucks, the main ground connections are notorious for corrosion. Locate the main ground strap from the engine block to the vehicle frame and the smaller ground wires near the battery. Unbolt them, clean the contact points and terminals with a wire brush until they’re shiny, and re-tighten them securely. A poor ground can cause voltage issues that mimic a failed PCM. It’s a simple check that ensures your new module has the clean power it needs to function correctly.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
Because we program the module to your VIN before it ships, the installation is straightforward. You can get your van running right in your own driveway or garage, saving you a costly trip to the dealership and the expense of their programming fees.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the PCM: On the Express/Savana vans, the PCM is typically found in the rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs and unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Inspect the connectors for any signs of corrosion or bent pins.
- Swap the Modules: Unbolt and remove the old PCM. Mount the new module securely in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses firmly into the new PCM until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Security Relearn (If Necessary): In most cases, the vehicle will start right up. Some GM vehicles may require a simple 10-minute key-cycle security relearn procedure. Instructions are readily available online or in your owner’s manual.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module, part number 88864822, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and service numbers. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below.
Replaces Part Numbers: 12581565, 8125815650, 12570557, 12570558, 12576106, 12576869, 12578127, 8125781270, 88864822, 89017733
This Part Fits The Following Vehicles:
- Astro / Safari (GMC) 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH front by battery)
- Avalanche 2500 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
- Blazer S10 / Jimmy S15 2003: Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
- CTS 2004: Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), Base, ID 12581565
- Corvette 2004: Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), ID 12581565
- Express / Savana 1500 Van 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
- Express / Savana 2500 Van 2003: Engine Computer; (LH rear engine compartment)
- Express / Savana 3500 Van 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment)
- S10 / S15 / Sonoma 2003: Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.3L
- Sierra / Silverado 1500 Pickup 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/4.3L
- Sierra / Silverado 2500 Pickup 2003: Powertrain Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 8.1L
- Sierra / Silverado 3500 Pickup 2003: Engine Control Module; (LH front under battery), gasoline, 8.1L
- Suburban 2500 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 8.1L
- Yukon XL 2500 2003: Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 8.1L