Is Your Chevy Colorado Acting Up? It Could Be the ECM.
As a mechanic with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen it all. If your 2009-2012 Colorado is experiencing frustrating issues like stalling at stoplights, erratic shifting, a persistent check engine light, or a complete no-start condition, the Engine Control Module (ECM) is a prime suspect. This module is the brain of your truck, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing problems that are often misdiagnosed.
A Technician’s Real-World Story
“Just last month, a 2011 Colorado was towed into my shop. The owner had already replaced the battery and alternator, but the truck would still die intermittently without warning. After connecting my diagnostic scanner, I found multiple communication loss codes (U-codes) pointing to the ECM. The internal circuitry was failing under heat, causing it to shut down randomly. We replaced it with a VIN-programmed unit like this one, and the truck has been running flawlessly ever since. It’s a common failure point on these models.”
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed ECM
Forget expensive dealership visits and the hassle of finding a shop that can program a new computer. This Engine Control Module is the straightforward solution you need. We take the guesswork out of the repair by programming the unit specifically for your vehicle using your VIN. It arrives at your door with the latest GM software updates, ready for a simple, direct installation.
Symptoms of a Failing 2009-2012 Colorado Engine Control Module:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with various communication or sensor codes.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling, especially when warm or at idle.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and reduced engine power.
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Inconsistent or non-functional electronic throttle control.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
You can perform this replacement yourself with basic hand tools. By providing your VIN at checkout, you ensure the module is a perfect electronic match for your truck’s specific configuration, saving you hundreds in dealership programming fees.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for the system to discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2009-2012 Colorado/Canyon, the ECM is typically located on the right-hand (passenger side) firewall in the engine bay.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs and unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Inspect the pins for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM, reconnect the wiring harnesses securely, and re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Your vehicle may require a security relearn procedure, which can typically be done without a scan tool by cycling the key. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the specific steps.
Guaranteed Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for several GM service numbers, ensuring broad compatibility. Please verify your part number against this list:
Interchangeable Part Numbers: 12636659, 12639300, 1263605, 12628993, 12628911, 12625453, 12622175, 12630464, 12678512
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
CANYON 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
CANYON 10-12 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.9L
CANYON 10-12 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.7L
COLORADO 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
COLORADO 10-12 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.9L
COLORADO 10-12 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.7L
CORVETTE 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), ZR1
CTS 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 6.2L
DTS 09-11 Electronic Control Module
ENVOY 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L
HUMMER H3 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
HUMMER H3 10 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.7L
LUCERNE 09-11 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L
SAAB 9-7X 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine)
SRX 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (4.6L)
STS 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.4L
STS 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.6L
STS 10 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), (4.6L)
TRAILBLAZER 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 6.0L
XLR 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), ID 12625453
XLR 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), ID 12636659