Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Vehicle
Is your Cadillac DTS, or another GM vehicle, suddenly giving you trouble? Experiencing frustrating issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent check engine light, or a no-start condition can bring your day to a halt. As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) can be the hidden culprit behind these baffling problems. The ECM is the brain of your engine, and when it falters, the entire system suffers. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects your vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy, and safety.
This listing is for a direct-replacement 2008 DTS Engine Control Module, part number 12630457. The best part? We take the biggest headache out of the repair process. Before we ship it, our experts will program the module to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means it arrives at your door loaded with the latest GM software updates, ready for a straightforward installation. You get a reliable, effective solution without the time and expense of a dealership visit for programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Intermittent DTS
A few months back, a 2008 Cadillac DTS was towed into my shop. The owner was at his wit’s end. The car would run perfectly for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for an hour. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a history of random communication faults (U-codes). We checked fuel pressure, ignition systems, and wiring harnesses—all perfect. On a hunch, I gently tapped the ECM while the engine was idling. The engine sputtered immediately. The culprit was an internal failure in the original module, a common issue caused by years of heat cycles and vibration. We replaced it with a VIN-programmed unit like this one, performed the quick security relearn, and the DTS has been running flawlessly ever since. This simple swap saved the customer from hundreds more in diagnostic fees.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A faulty engine computer can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it might be time to replace your ECM. Look out for:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with codes like P0601, P0602, P0606 (Internal Control Module Processor Error) or U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM/PCM).
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Rough or unpredictable automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Intermittent stalling or stumbling, especially when warm.
- ✔ Apparent loss of spark or fuel injector pulse.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the ECM is a task many DIYers can handle. With our pre-programmed module, you skip the most complicated step. Follow this general procedure:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the ECM: On many compatible vehicles like the DTS, the ECM is found in the lower part of the air cleaner box. On others, it may be on the firewall or frame rail. A quick search for your specific model will confirm its location.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed ECM into place. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: This is a crucial final step. Most GM vehicles require a simple “key-on” procedure to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. It typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes. Instructions for this are widely available and simple to follow.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 12630457, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles. It is fully interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 19210737. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below.
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
What exactly is VIN programming?
VIN programming is the process where we load your vehicle’s unique 17-digit VIN into the engine control module. This ensures the ECM has the correct software and calibration files for your specific engine, transmission, and factory options. It’s essential for proper function and allows the module to communicate correctly with other systems in your car.
Do I need to do anything extra after installing this part?
After the physical installation, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure. This syncs the new ECM to your vehicle’s anti-theft system and keys. This procedure does not require special tools and can be done in your driveway in about 30 minutes. Instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit VIN. You can typically find this on your vehicle’s dashboard (viewable through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb sticker, or on your insurance and registration documents. We cannot ship your part until we receive your VIN.
What if my original part number is different from 12630457?
No problem. This module is a direct replacement for several GM service numbers, including 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, and others listed in the description. As long as your vehicle model and year are on our compatibility list, this module will work for you.
Is this a reliable, long-term fix?
Absolutely. We provide high-quality, tested modules that are programmed with the latest stable software from GM. This addresses many of the common failure points of the original units, providing a dependable, long-lasting solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability.