Restore Your Workhorse: The Reliable Fix for Your GM Van or Truck
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I know that when a work vehicle like a Savana or Express van goes down, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a hit to your bottom line. Unpredictable stalling, a check engine light that won’t quit, or a complete no-start condition can bring your operations to a grinding halt. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the brain of your vehicle’s engine and transmission, is often the culprit. When it fails, it can create a cascade of confusing and frustrating problems. This isn’t just a part; it’s the solution to getting your reliable vehicle back on the road, performing as it should.
This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all module. We take the guesswork and the expensive dealership trips out of the equation. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, you receive a PCM that is professionally programmed with the latest GM software updates specific to your 2005-2007 Savana 3500 PCM configuration. This ensures seamless communication between all your vehicle’s systems, restoring proper fuel delivery, ignition timing, and transmission shift points right out of the box. It’s the dealership-level solution without the dealership price tag.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Intermittent Express Van
I once had a local delivery business bring in their 2006 Express 3500. The driver complained of random stalling at stoplights and occasional hard starting. They had already replaced the battery and alternator, but the problem persisted. My initial scan showed a P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) code, a dead giveaway for a failing PCM. The internal memory was corrupted, causing erratic commands. Instead of a costly, multi-day stay at the dealer, we ordered a VIN-programmed module. The swap took less than 30 minutes, and after a quick security relearn procedure, the van was back in service the same afternoon. The owner was thrilled to avoid the downtime and hefty diagnostic fees.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing PCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that the brain of your engine needs attention. In my shop, these are the classic symptoms I check for first when diagnosing a potential PCM issue.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Intermittent stalling or rough idling for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Communication errors with your scan tool.
- ✔ Apparent loss of engine power and poor acceleration.
A Straightforward Guide to PCM Installation
Replacing the PCM on these GM vans and trucks is a job most DIYers or any professional mechanic can handle with basic tools. This pre-programmed module makes the process even simpler. Follow these steps to get your vehicle running smoothly again.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the Module: On most Savana/Express vans, the PCM is located in the LH rear of the engine compartment. On trucks like the Silverado/Sierra, it’s typically found on the LH front side, under or near the battery tray.
- Disconnect the Harnesses: Carefully unclip and remove the electrical connectors from the old PCM. These connectors have locking tabs; be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Remove the Old PCM: Unbolt the module from its mounting bracket. It’s usually held in place by a few small bolts (commonly 7mm or 10mm).
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed module in the same location and secure it with the original bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the electrical harnesses back into the new PCM until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: You will likely need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock or Passkey relearn) to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This procedure typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’, and repeating two more times. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the exact steps.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This Powertrain Control Module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of popular GM trucks and vans, ensuring compatibility and proper function. It is a direct replacement for part numbers 12589462, 12602801, and 89017749. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below.
ASTRO 05 (LH front by battery)
BLAZER S10/JIMMY S15 05 (RH front engine compartment)
CTS 04-05 V-Series (RH engine compartment, ID 12589462 or 12602801)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 05-07 (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 05-07 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 05-07 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 05-07 (LH rear engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 05-07 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 05-07 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
SAFARI (GMC) 05 (LH front by battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 05-06 (LH front under battery), w/4.3L, w/o hybrid
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style (creased door skin), w/4.3L, w/o hybrid
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 05-06 Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style, Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 05-06 Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style, Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 05-06 (LH front under battery), w/4.3L, w/o hybrid
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style (creased door skin), w/4.3L, w/o hybrid
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 05-06 Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style, Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 05-06 Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 07 Classic Style, Gasoline, 8.1L (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 2500 05-06 8.1L (LH front under battery)
YUKON XL 2500 05-06 8.1L (LH front under battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN number?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to program the module with the exact software and calibrations your specific vehicle requires. This includes engine size, transmission type, and other options, ensuring a perfect match and preventing compatibility issues.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Yes, for the most part. The module is programmed to your VIN, so it will plug directly into your vehicle’s wiring harness. However, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation. This is a simple process that syncs the module to your vehicle’s anti-theft system and does not require special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty PCM (e.g., code P0601), then this replacement module will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to properly diagnose the problem first, as the light can be triggered by many other components like sensors or wiring issues.
Do I need to have my old module to get this one?
No core charge or return is required for this module. You can purchase it outright, which saves you the time and hassle of shipping your old, non-working part back.
What if my part number isn’t an exact match to 89017749?
This module is also a direct replacement for part numbers 12589462 and 12602801. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list and your original module is one of these three numbers, this part will work correctly once programmed to your VIN.