Is Your 2015-2016 Canyon Plagued by Mysterious Electrical Gremlins?
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen it all. A 2015 or 2016 GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado comes into the bay with a laundry list of frustrating issues: the check engine light is on, it cranks but won’t start, the transmission is shifting erratically, or it’s getting terrible gas mileage. The owner has often replaced sensors and other parts, chasing a problem that just won’t go away. In a huge number of these cases, the root cause isn’t a faulty sensorโit’s the brain of the operation, the Engine Control Module (ECM).
The ECM is the master computer for your engine. It takes in data from dozens of sensorsโoxygen, crankshaft position, throttle position, and many moreโand makes thousands of calculations per second to control fuel injection, ignition timing, and transmission shifts. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be widespread and confusing, often mimicking other component failures.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM ECM
If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, a failing ECM is a highly likely culprit. I’ve personally diagnosed hundreds of GM trucks and SUVs from this era, and these are the classic warning signs:
- โ Check Engine Light (CEL): Often with a host of communication-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), such as U-codes, or specific performance codes that don’t resolve after replacing the indicated sensor.
- โ No-Start Condition: The engine will turn over, but it won’t fire up because the ECM isn’t commanding the fuel injectors or ignition coils to work.
- โ Poor Engine Performance: You might notice a significant loss of power, rough idling, stalling, or hesitation during acceleration.
- โ Reduced Fuel Economy: An ECM that isn’t calculating the fuel mixture correctly will almost always lead to the engine running too rich, wasting fuel.
- โ Erratic Transmission Shifting: The ECM works directly with the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Faulty signals can cause harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in one gear.
Expert Pro Tip: The Critical Importance of VIN Programming
Never install a used ECM from a junkyard or an unprogrammed module from a big-box store. On these modern GM vehicles, the ECM is tied to the original vehicle’s VIN and security system (the immobilizer). Plugging in the wrong one will result in an immediate no-start condition and can even lock out other modules. Our service eliminates this entire headache. We flash this module with your specific VIN and the latest GM-released software before it ships. This ensures it communicates correctly with your truck’s BCM, TCM, and anti-theft system, making the installation process as close to plug-and-play as possible.
The Direct-Fit, Pre-Programmed Solution
This Engine Control Module, part number 12673195, is the definitive solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability. We take all the guesswork and additional cost out of the repair. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our technicians will professionally program the module. It will arrive at your door ready for installation, loaded with the most current GM software to optimize performance and efficiency.
Installation Overview
For a 2015-2016 GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado, the ECM is typically located on the right-hand (passenger side) of the firewall in the engine bay. While professional installation is always recommended, a skilled DIYer can perform the swap.
- Disconnect the Battery: This is the most important first step. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
- Locate and Access the ECM: Find the module on the passenger-side firewall.
- Disconnect Wiring Harnesses: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out. Never pry or force them.
- Unbolt the Module: Remove the bolts or nuts securing the old ECM to its bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Reconnect the battery.
- Perform Relearn Procedure: After installation, you may need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called the “10-minute relearn”) to sync the new ECM with your keys. A crankshaft variation relearn may also be necessary, which can sometimes be initiated without a high-end scan tool.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and supersedes multiple part numbers. Please verify your original part number or match your vehicle in the list below.
Replaces Part Numbers: 12692067, 12676230, 12656993, 12662034, 12672537, 12673195, 12663391, 12672963, 12669318
Fitment Includes (but not limited to):
- โ 2015-2016 GMC CANYON / CHEVROLET COLORADO: 3.6L Engine
- โ 2014-2016 CADILLAC ATS / CTS / XTS: 3.6L & 6.2L Engines
- โ 2014-2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE / CAMARO: 6.2L Engines
- โ 2014-2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 / GMC SIERRA 1500: Various Engines (Verify by ID)
- โ 2015-2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE / SUBURBAN / GMC YUKON / CADILLAC ESCALADE: All Engines