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. Seems to control the nucleotide-dependent binding of mitochondrial HSP70 to substrate proteins. Stimulates ATPase activity of mt-HSP70. May also serve to modulate the interconversion of oligomeric (inactive) and monomeric (active) forms of mt-HSP70 (By similarity). Probable component of the PAM complex at least composed of a mitochondrial HSP70 protein, GRPEL1 or GRPEL2, TIMM44, TIMM16/PAM16 and TIMM14/DNAJC19. Belongs to the GrpE family.