Restore Your Truck’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, erratic engine behavior, or a no-start condition in your 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is a likely culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty ECM can turn a reliable truck into a source of constant headaches. The ECM is the central computer of your vehicle, managing everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting. When it fails, the symptoms can be widespread and confusing.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and the expensive dealership trip out of the equation. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, we will program this module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This ensures that when you receive your 2008 Colorado Engine Control Module, it communicates perfectly with your truck’s specific systems, restoring its original performance and reliability.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Stall Case
I remember a 2008 Colorado that came into my bay a few years back. The owner was at his wit’s end. The truck would run fine for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. Other shops had replaced sensors and the fuel pump to no avail. After hooking up my scope and monitoring the injector driver circuits directly from the ECM, I caught the problem: an internal driver was overheating and failing intermittently. A simple swap with a properly programmed ECM like this one had the truck running reliably within an hour. These intermittent issues are classic signs of a failing computer and are often missed without targeted diagnostics.
Is Your Colorado Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consider a replacement. A faulty 2008 Colorado Engine Control Module is a common cause for these issues.
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes like P0601, P0602, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving.
- ✔ Rough or inconsistent idling.
- ✔ The vehicle won’t start, but the battery and starter are good.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
- ✔ Communication issues with diagnostic scan tools.
Straightforward Swap: Your Installation Guide
Installing your new ECM is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. For the 2008 Colorado, the module is typically located on the right-hand (passenger side) firewall in the engine bay. Always consult a vehicle-specific repair manual if you are unsure.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental reconnection.
- Locate the ECM: Open the hood and find the Engine Control Module on the passenger-side firewall.
- Disconnect Harnesses: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out from the module. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. There are typically a few small bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM onto the bracket and secure it with the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the electrical harnesses back into the new module until they click securely in place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps: Your vehicle may need to complete a security relearn procedure or an idle relearn, which often involves letting the engine run for a few minutes. In most cases, it’s a simple plug-and-play process.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM, part number 19210737, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles. It is interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 12630457. While this listing focuses on the 2008 Colorado Engine Control Module, please verify your specific model and part number from the extensive list below to ensure a perfect match.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is VIN programming?
VIN programming is the process of loading your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number and specific software parameters into the ECM. This ensures the module works correctly with your engine, transmission, and options like anti-theft systems. We handle this for you before shipping.
Do I need to take my truck to a dealer after installation?
No. Because this module arrives pre-programmed to your VIN, you can skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It is designed to be a direct-fit, ready-to-install solution.
How do I find the service number on my old ECM?
The service number is printed on a sticker on the case of your current ECM. You will need to locate and likely remove the module to read it clearly. Matching this number to our list ensures compatibility.
Is any other relearn procedure required after installation?
In some cases, a Case/Crankshaft Variation Relearn procedure may be needed to prevent a P1336 trouble code. This can be done with a capable bidirectional scan tool. However, many vehicles will run perfectly without this additional step.
What happens if I don’t provide my VIN?
We cannot ship the module without your VIN. The programming is essential for the part to function in your vehicle. We will contact you after your purchase to get this information if it was not provided at checkout.