Restore Peak Performance to Your 2008 Savana 3500 Van
Is your workhorse 2008 Savana 3500 Van suddenly running rough, stalling, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? You rely on your van every day, and a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) can bring your work to a grinding halt. As the central computer for your engine, a failing ECM can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose issues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s lost time and money. This direct-fit ECM, part number 12622141, is the reliable, professional-grade solution to get your van back in service quickly.
We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation. Before this module ships, our technicians will program it with the latest GM-certified software specifically for your vehicle using the VIN you provide. This means it arrives ready for installation, saving you a trip to the dealer and the expensive programming fees. This is the most efficient way to solve complex engine management problems and restore the factory-intended performance and fuel efficiency to your vehicle.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Intermittent Stall
I once had a 2008 Savana 3500 in my shop that was driving the owner, a local plumber, crazy. It would run fine for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. He had already replaced the fuel pump on another mechanic’s advice, but the problem persisted. When I connected my scan tool, I found no active codes, but in the history data, I saw a P0606 (ECM Processor Fault) and a U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM/PCM). These are classic signs of an internally failing computer. Heat soak was causing a component on the circuit board to fail, but it would work again after cooling down. We installed a new, properly programmed 2008 Savana 3500 ECM, and the van never stalled again. It’s a reminder that intermittent electrical issues often point directly to the vehicle’s main computer.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing engine computer can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty ECM could be the culprit:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or hesitating unexpectedly
- ✔ No-start or hard-start conditions
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
- ✔ Failed emissions test
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Communication error codes such as U0100, U0101
- ✔ Internal module fault codes like P0601, P0603, or P0606
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the ECM is a manageable job for a DIYer or a quick task for a professional. Our pre-programming service handles the most complex part for you. Follow these general steps to get your vehicle running again.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2008 Savana/Express vans, the ECM is typically found in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, often near the rear of the engine bay. On trucks and SUVs, it’s usually under the battery tray on the driver’s side. Always confirm the location for your specific model.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Most have a locking tab that needs to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed ECM into place and securely reconnect all electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten it securely.
- Perform Security Relearn (Crucial Step): Your vehicle’s anti-theft system needs to sync with the new ECM. This is a simple procedure you can do yourself: Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (don’t start the engine), and leave it for 10-12 minutes, or until the security light on the dash turns off. Turn the key off for 10 seconds, then repeat this cycle two more times (for a total of 3 cycles). After the third cycle, the vehicle should start and run normally.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 12622141, 12612384, and 12617568, and fits a wide array of GM vehicles. Please verify your specific model and options below.
AURA 08 3.5L (RH firewall)
CAPRICE 11 (ID 12612384)
CTS 08 3.6L, VIN 7 (ID 12612384)
CORVETTE 08-09 (RH engine compartment)
EQUINOX 08-09 3.4L (LH engine compartment)
ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 08 (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS/SAVANA 1500 VAN 08 5.3L (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS/SAVANA 2500 VAN 08 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS/SAVANA 3500 VAN 08 Gasoline (LH rear engine compartment)
G6 08 3.5L or 3.9L (LH front engine compartment)
HUMMER H2 08 (LH front under battery)
IMPALA 08 3.5L or 3.9L (lower part of air cleaner box)
MALIBU 08 3.5L (Classic & New Style)
SIERRA/SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 (w/o 4.3L, LH front under battery)
SIERRA/SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 08 6.0L (LH front under battery)
SIERRA/SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 08 6.0L (LH front under battery)
SIERRA DENALI 08 (LH front engine compartment)
SUBURBAN 1500/2500 08 (LH front under battery)
TAHOE 08 (w/o hybrid, LH front under battery)
TORRENT 08-09 3.4L (LH engine compartment)
VUE 08-09 3.5L
YUKON / YUKON XL 1500 / YUKON XL 2500 08 (w/o hybrid, LH front under battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN number?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is essential. It allows us to access the exact factory software, calibrations, and anti-theft information for your specific vehicle. Programming this 2008 Savana 3500 ECM with your VIN ensures it works seamlessly with your engine, transmission, and options, just like the original part.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
It’s very close. The module is pre-programmed, so the difficult part is done. However, you MUST perform the security relearn procedure described in the installation guide after installing the part. This simple, 30-minute key-cycle process syncs the new ECM to your vehicle’s security system and is required for the engine to start.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This ECM is a direct solution for issues caused by a faulty module, including common fault codes like P0601 or P0606. While it resolves many engine performance problems, we always recommend a proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic to confirm the ECM is the point of failure before ordering.
Do I need to send my old part back?
No core charge is required for this module. You can keep your old part or recycle it locally.
What if I have a different part number on my original module?
This module is a verified replacement for part numbers 12622141, 12612384, and 12617568. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list and your original part number is one of these, this module will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.