Essential component of the PAM complex, a complex required for the translocation of transit peptide-containing proteins from the inner membrane into the mitochondrial matrix in an ATP-dependent manner (By similarity). Seems to control the nucleotide-dependent binding of mitochondrial HSP70 to substrate proteins (PubMed:11311562). Probable component of the PAM complex at least composed of a mitochondrial HSP70 protein, GRPEL1 or GRPEL2, TIMM44, TIMM16/PAM16 and TIMM14/DNAJC19 (By similarity). Binds to HSP70, HSC70 and HSJ1B (PubMed:11311562). Belongs to the GrpE family.