Is Your HHR Running Rough, Stalling, or Throwing Confusing Codes?
If you’re dealing with a 2007-2011 Chevrolet HHR that’s suddenly developed a mind of its own, chances are the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the culprit. As a mechanic with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen this exact scenario play out hundreds of times. A customer comes in complaining of a car that won’t start reliably, stalls at stoplights, shifts erratically, or has a check engine light that just won’t go away. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re signs that the very brain of your vehicle’s engine is failing.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Grounds First!
Before you condemn your PCM, do yourself a favor and check the main engine and battery ground connections. On these GM platforms, a corroded or loose ground wire can cause voltage drops that mimic PCM failure, leading to all sorts of bizarre electrical gremlins. I’ve seen customers spend hundreds on parts they didn’t need, only to find the real problem was a $5 ground strap. A quick check with a multimeter can save you a massive headache.
The Brain of the Operation: What a PCM Does
Think of the PCM as the central command center for your engine and transmission. It takes in data from dozens of sensors—oxygen sensors, crank and cam position sensors, throttle position, and more—and makes thousands of calculations per second. Based on this data, it precisely controls:
- ✔ Fuel injector pulse width (how much fuel to spray)
- ✔ Ignition timing (when to fire the spark plugs)
- ✔ Transmission shift points and line pressure
- ✔ Idle speed control
- ✔ Electronic throttle control
When internal components on the PCM’s circuit board fail due to heat, vibration, or age, these critical calculations become corrupted. The result is poor performance, terrible fuel economy, and eventual breakdown.
The Hassle-Free Solution: A Pre-Programmed PCM
Replacing a PCM isn’t just a simple swap. A blank module from the dealership won’t work at all—it needs to be programmed with software specific to your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This process typically requires expensive scan tools and a trip to the dealer. We eliminate that entire step for you.
This replacement Engine Control Module, service number 12597125, is the correct, updated replacement for modules marked with part number 12618028 and several others. We handle the complex part for you:
- ✔ VIN Programming Included: Simply provide your VIN during checkout, and we will flash the module with the latest, most stable software release from General Motors for your exact vehicle configuration.
- ✔ Fixes Common Issues: This process corrects many factory bugs and drivability problems that were identified after your HHR left the factory.
- ✔ Ready for Installation: The module arrives at your door ready to be installed. In most cases, a simple security relearn procedure (which we can provide instructions for) is all that’s needed to get you back on the road.
Guaranteed Fitment & Part Number Cross-Reference
This module is a direct replacement for units with the following service numbers. If your original module has any of these numbers on the sticker, this is the correct part for you:
12618028, 12612397, DL216140, 12594750, 12597125, 12629019, 12635902, 12611549
While this listing is focused on the Chevy HHR, this versatile module also fits a wide range of other GM vehicles. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below:
MALIBU 10 Electronic Control Module; 3.5L
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.3L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; classic style (emblem in grille), 2.2L
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), w/o hybrid option; w/4.3L
COBALT 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L (VIN B, 8th digit, 4-146)
COBALT 07-08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.2L (VIN F, 8th digit, 4-134)
MALIBU 11-12 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 2.4L, w/o hybrid
AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.4L, w/o hybrid
HHR 07-11 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 2.2L
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/4.3L
SOLSTICE 08-10 Electronic Control Module; (LH front frame rail), 2.4L
COBALT 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.2L (VIN H, 8th digit, 4-134)
HHR 08-11 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 2.4L
LUCERNE 09-11 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L
MALIBU 07 Electronic Control Module; 2.2L
VUE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, VIN P (8th digit, opt LE5)
VUE 10 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L
G6 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L
IMPALA 10-11 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Electronic Control Module; new style (smooth door skin), (LH front under battery), w/4.3L
COBALT 10 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.2L (VIN 5, 8th digit, 4-134)
MALIBU 09-10 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, w/o hybrid
G6 10 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), w/o hybrid option; w/4.3L
SKY 08-10 Electronic Control Module; (LH front frame rail), 2.4L
G5 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.2L (VIN F, 8th digit, 4-134)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Electronic Control Module; new style (smooth door skin), (LH front under battery), w/4.3L
G5 08-10 Electronic Control Module
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.3L