Is Your 2006 GM Vehicle Acting Up? It Could Be The ECM.
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen a pattern with mid-2000s GM vehicles. A car comes into the bay with a bizarre collection of symptoms: it stalls intermittently at red lights, it refuses to start on random mornings, the check engine light is on with a slew of communication codes, and sometimes the transmission shifts harshly for no reason. The owner is frustrated, having already replaced a few sensors with no luck. In nine out of ten of these cases, the culprit is a failing Engine Control Module (ECM).
The ECM, part number 12590032 (and its equivalents), is the central computer for your engine. It’s responsible for everything from fuel injection timing and spark delivery to transmission communication and emissions control. When it starts to fail, the symptoms can be unpredictable and maddening.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 2006 GM ECM
If you’re experiencing any of the following on your Impala, Cobalt, HHR, G6, or other vehicle listed below, a faulty ECM is a very likely cause:
- โ Check Engine Light with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor Fault).
- โ Complete no-start or crank-no-start condition.
- โ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving.
- โ Poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Communication issues with diagnostic scan tools.
- โ Other modules on the vehicle setting ‘Loss of Communication with ECM’ codes (U-codes).
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Connections First
Before ordering a replacement ECM, I always advise my customers to perform a simple check. Disconnect the battery. Then, unplug the ECM connectors and inspect them carefully for any signs of corrosion, moisture, or bent pins. Also, trace the main power and ground wires from the ECM and ensure they are clean and tight. On these vehicles, a poor ground connection can mimic ECM failure. This five-minute check can sometimes save you from replacing a part that isn’t faulty.
The Plug-and-Play Solution: Programmed to Your VIN
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. The biggest hurdle when replacing a modern ECM is the need for expensive, dealer-level programming. We eliminate that step entirely. When you purchase this module, you provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We then flash the unit with the latest, most stable software calibration directly from General Motors for your specific vehicle.
- โ No Dealer Visit Required: Save hundreds of dollars and the hassle of towing your vehicle to a dealership for programming.
- โ Guaranteed Compatibility: By using your VIN, we ensure the software matches your engine, transmission, and factory options perfectly.
- โ Latest GM Updates: Your ECM will be loaded with the newest software, which often includes fixes for drivability issues that the original software may have had.
- โ Simple Installation: Once you receive the module, it’s a direct swap. Disconnect the battery, remove the old ECM, install the new one, reconnect the battery, and you’re done. A security relearn procedure may be required, which is a simple process you can do in your driveway.
Part Number and Fitment Information
This ECM is a direct replacement for the following GM part numbers: 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. Please verify your part number or use the compatibility list below. If you’re unsure, just send us your VIN, and we can confirm fitment for you.
This ECM fits the following 2006 GM models:
Note: Location information is provided to assist with installation.
- โ Cadillac CTS: V-Series, ID 12603530 (RH engine compartment)
- โ Cadillac DTS: All models
- โ Cadillac STS: 4.4L (LH frame rail)
- โ Cadillac XLR: 4.4L (RH front engine compartment)
- โ Buick Lucerne: 4.6L (Lower part of air cleaner box)
- โ Buick Relay: 3.9L (LH engine compartment)
- โ Buick Terraza: 3.9L (LH engine compartment)
- โ Chevrolet Cobalt: 2.4L (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Chevrolet HHR: 2.4L (LH rear engine compartment)
- โ Chevrolet Impala: 3.5L or 3.9L (Lower part of air cleaner box)
- โ Chevrolet Malibu: 3.9L
- โ Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 3.5L or 3.9L (Lower part of air cleaner box)
- โ Chevrolet Uplander: 3.9L (LH engine compartment)
- โ Pontiac G6: ID 12603530 (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Pontiac Montana: SV6, 3.9L (LH engine compartment)
- โ Pontiac Pursuit: 2.4L (LH front engine compartment)
- โ Pontiac Solstice: (LH front frame rail)
- โ Saturn Ion: 2.4L (opt LE5)
Ordering this pre-programmed ECM is the most efficient and reliable way to get your vehicle back on the road. Let us take the guesswork out of the repair. Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest.