Is Your GM Vehicle Running Rough?
If you’re dealing with a persistent Check Engine Light, poor engine performance, stalling, or a no-start condition, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) could be the culprit. The ECM is the brain of your vehicle’s engine, controlling everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting and emissions. When it fails, it can cause a wide range of frustrating and difficult-to-diagnose problems. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can affect your vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy, and safety.
Your Direct-Fit Solution: The Programmed 2007-2011 HHR ECM
This replacement ECM, service number 12597125, is the definitive solution to get your vehicle back in top form. Unlike a generic part from a local store, this module is specifically programmed to your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ships. This critical step ensures that the computer has the correct software and calibrations for your specific engine, transmission, and options package. We load the latest GM-authorized updates, which often resolve factory bugs and improve performance and longevity. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programming—it’s ready for installation right out of the box.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 2009 Chevy Malibu come into the shop with a laundry list of issues: erratic idle, hard shifting, and a check engine light with codes for multiple sensor failures. The owner had already replaced the throttle body and two oxygen sensors, spending hundreds with no improvement. After confirming the sensors and wiring were good, we suspected the ECM. The internal circuits responsible for processing those sensor signals had failed. We installed a VIN-programmed ECM just like this one, performed the security relearn, and the car ran perfectly. All the ghost codes vanished. It’s a classic case where the root cause wasn’t the parts throwing codes, but the computer reading them.
Common Symptoms of a Failing ECM
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Engine stalling or misfiring unexpectedly
- ✔ Poor acceleration and overall performance
- ✔ Decreased fuel economy
- ✔ Vehicle won’t start, but the battery and starter are good
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Guaranteed Compatibility and Simple Installation
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and supersedes multiple part numbers, including 12612397, 12594750, 12629019, 12635902, and 12611549. By providing your VIN at checkout, you guarantee that you receive a perfectly matched component. Installation is straightforward for any competent DIY mechanic or professional technician. In most cases, a simple security relearn procedure (often called a key relearn or anti-theft relearn) is all that’s needed to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This procedure can typically be done without special tools and instructions are widely available.
This ECM fits a broad selection of models, including but not limited to:
- Chevrolet HHR (2007-2011) – 2.2L, 2.4L
- Chevrolet Cobalt (2007-2010) – 2.2L, 2.4L
- Chevrolet Malibu (2007-2012) – 2.2L, 2.4L, 3.5L
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2009) – 4.3L
- Chevrolet Impala (2010-2011)
- Pontiac G5/G6 (2007-2010) – 2.2L, 2.4L
- Pontiac Solstice (2008-2010) – 2.4L
- Saturn Aura/Vue (2008-2010) – 2.4L
- Buick Lucerne (2009-2011) – 3.9L
- And many more. Please verify your service number to confirm fitment.
Don’t continue to struggle with a poorly running vehicle. Restore its performance, reliability, and efficiency with this professionally programmed Engine Control Module. Order today and provide your VIN to receive a part that’s truly tailored for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ECM and what does it do?
The Engine Control Module (ECM), also known as the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), is a computer that acts as the main brain for your vehicle’s engine. It takes in data from dozens of sensors and uses it to control critical functions like fuel injection, ignition spark, and idle speed to ensure optimal performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
Why is providing my VIN so important?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains essential information about your car’s specific build, including the engine, transmission, and factory options. We use the VIN to load the exact GM-approved software and calibrations for your vehicle. This step is crucial for ensuring the part works correctly and communicates properly with other modules in your car.
Is this part truly plug-and-play?
Because we pre-program the module to your VIN, it is as close to plug-and-play as possible. You will not need a dealership to program the unit. However, you will likely need to perform a security relearn procedure to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system and keys. This procedure is typically simple and does not require special scan tools.
How do I find my VIN?
Your 17-digit VIN can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on the vehicle itself. The most common locations are on a metal plate on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) and on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.
Will this fix my car’s problem for sure?
This ECM will fix any issues directly caused by a faulty engine computer. While the symptoms listed are very common for ECM failure, they can also be caused by other issues like bad wiring or faulty sensors. Proper vehicle diagnosis is always recommended before ordering. If you’ve confirmed the ECM is the point of failure, this part is the correct solution.