Restore Peak Performance to Your Cadillac with a VIN-Programmed ECM
Is your 2006 Cadillac CTS running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or displaying a persistent check engine light? These frustrating issues often point to a failing Engine Control Module (ECM), the central computer of your vehicle. A faulty ECM can cripple performance, hurt fuel economy, and make your car unreliable. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical component failure that needs a dependable solution. This replacement Engine Control Module, part number 12602044, is the definitive fix, arriving at your door pre-programmed with the latest GM software matched specifically to your vehicle’s VIN.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Gremlin
I once had a 2006 CTS-V in my bay that was driving the owner crazy. It would run perfectly for days, then suddenly lose power and throw a random misfire code. The owner had already replaced plugs, coils, and even an O2 sensor with no luck. After hooking up my scope and monitoring live data, I noticed the injector pulse width commands were becoming erratic during the episodes. The sensors were reporting correctly, but the ECM wasn’t commanding the engine properly. We swapped in a VIN-programmed ECM, and the problem vanished instantly. It’s a classic case where the root cause isn’t a sensor, but the computer processing the data.
Is Your Cadillac Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A failing computer can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty ECM is a likely culprit. Over my 20+ years, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times, often leading mechanics on a wild goose chase for sensor or wiring issues when the ECM itself was the problem.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM/PCM).
- ✔ Engine stalling or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- ✔ The vehicle won’t start, but the battery and starter are good.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Poor or hesitant acceleration and shifting problems.
- ✔ Communication issues with diagnostic scan tools.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
We make this repair as simple as possible. By programming the module before shipping, we eliminate the need for expensive dealership tools. While a security relearn procedure may be necessary, it’s a simple process you can do in your driveway.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before beginning any electrical work.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2006 Cadillac CTS, the ECM is typically found in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs and unplug the wiring harnesses from the old module. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn (If Needed): Your vehicle may enter anti-theft mode. A standard GM relearn procedure (often involving turning the key to ‘ON’ for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’, and repeating a few times) may be required to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s security system.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM is a direct replacement for service number 12602044 and is also interchangeable with 12590032, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. Please verify your part number or consult the extensive fitment list below to ensure compatibility.
COLORADO 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
ENVOY 07-08 Electronic Control Module; 5.3L (LH engine)
ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 12607096
G6 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 19210737
MONTE CARLO 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L
XLR 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), ID 12607096
AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.4L, w/hybrid
DTS 06 Electronic Control Module
DEVILLE 05 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 12590032
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12605843
IMPALA 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L
LACROSSE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L
STS 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.4L
TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 12636660
UPLANDER 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L)
ISUZU ASCENDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (4.2L, LH engine), ID 19210737
SAAB 9-7X 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 8 cylinder
TRAILBLAZER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L
ENCLAVE 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737
LUCERNE 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L, ID 12607096
MONTE CARLO 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L
RAINIER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L
ISUZU ASCENDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (4.2L, LH engine), ID 12607096
CTS 06 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), V-Series, ID 12603530
STS 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.6L
G6 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 12603530
G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L
ION 06 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L (opt LE5)
MALIBU 06 Electronic Control Module; 3.9L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 2.4L, w/hybrid
RELAY 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
VUE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, VIN Z (8th digit, opt LAT)
OUTLOOK 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud)
SOLSTICE 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front frame rail)
VUE 08 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L
VUE 09 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L, VIN 7 (8th digit, opt LY7)
ACADIA 07-08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096 (ECM)
AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.6L
ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 19210737
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12603530
GRAND PRIX 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner box), 5.3L
HHR 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 2.4L
STS 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.4L
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12590032
ISUZU I-290 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
LUCERNE 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L
MALIBU 09-10 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, w/hybrid
UPLANDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L), ID 19210737
IMPALA 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L
MONTANA 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (SV6), 3.9L
TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 19210737
ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 12636660
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12602044
TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 12607096
TRAILBLAZER 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 4.2L
CANYON 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
COBALT 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L (VIN B, 8th digit, 4-146)
ISUZU I-370 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
MALIBU 09 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L
SRX 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (4.6L)
SAAB 9-7X 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L
ENCLAVE 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096
G6 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12607096
IMPALA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 5.3L
XLR 06 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.4L
XLR 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 4.2L
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12607096
G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12618163
LUCERNE 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L, ID 19210737
MONTANA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment)
PURSUIT 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L
VUE 10 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L
ACADIA 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737 (PCM)
DTS 08 Electronic Control Module
TERRAZA 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
TRAILBLAZER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 6.0L
SAAB 9-7X 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 6.0L
HUMMER H3 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 3.6L
UPLANDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L), ID 12607096
UPLANDER 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
Do I need to program this 2006 Cadillac CTS ECM?
Do I need to program this 2006 Cadillac CTS ECM?
No. The main benefit of our service is that we program the module for you before it ships. Simply provide your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN at checkout, and we will flash the unit with the latest GM software for your specific vehicle, making it ready for installation.
What information do you need from me?
We only need your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to ensure the module is programmed correctly. You can typically find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a placard on the driver’s side dashboard visible through the windshield.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Yes, for the most part. The module is programmed to be plug-and-play. However, as with many GM vehicles, you may need to perform a simple ‘security relearn’ procedure after installation to sync the new ECM with your car’s anti-theft system. This procedure does not require special tools and can be found in our installation guide or online.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the ECM (such as with code P0601), then this replacement module will solve the problem. It’s crucial to properly diagnose the vehicle first to ensure the ECM is the true source of the issue and not a faulty sensor or wiring problem.
How can I be sure this ECM will fit my vehicle?
This module replaces part number 12602044 and several other interchangeable service numbers. The best way to confirm fitment is to match the part number from your old unit to one of the numbers listed. You can also use the detailed compatibility list on this page to check your specific make, model, and engine.