Restore Peak Performance to Your Vehicle’s Powertrain
Is your Corvette, Cadillac, or GM truck suffering from frustrating, hard-to-diagnose issues? An erratic check engine light, unexplained stalling, or a complete no-start condition often points directly to a failing Engine Control Module (ECM). As the central computer of your vehicle, the ECM is responsible for managing everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting. When it falters, the entire vehicle’s performance and reliability are compromised. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that needs a dependable solution.
This listing is for a direct-replacement 2009 Corvette ECM, part number 12628911, which serves as the definitive fix for these complex electronic issues. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair process. Before we ship your module, we will program it with the latest official GM software updates, specifically matched to your vehicle using the VIN you provide. This means you receive a part that is truly ready for installation right out of the box, saving you a costly trip to the dealership and hours of diagnostic headaches.
From the Diagnostic Bay: A Tricky Diagnosis
I once had a 2009 Cadillac CTS-V in the shop with a ghost-in-the-machine problem. The owner complained of intermittent power loss and stalling, but only after the car was fully warmed up. The codes were all over the place—misfires, O2 sensor readings, even a throttle body code. We checked everything, from fuel pressure to wiring harnesses. After hours on the scope, we noticed the 5-volt reference signal from the ECM would dip erratically when the engine bay got hot. The ECM’s internal voltage regulator was failing under thermal stress, starving the sensors of their necessary power and causing a cascade of false codes. Swapping in a properly programmed ECM like this one solved the issue instantly. It’s a reminder that the ECM can often be the hidden root cause of many seemingly unrelated problems.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty ECM is a likely culprit. In my 20+ years of experience, these are the most common indicators I see in the shop:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear.
- ✔ Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P0601, P0606, or U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM).
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained stalling or rough idling, especially when warm.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing.
- ✔ The cooling fans run constantly or not at all.
- ✔ Inability for a scan tool to communicate with the module.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new ECM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. Our VIN programming service handles the most complex part, so you can focus on the physical replacement.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental reconnection.
- Locate the ECM: On a 2009 Corvette, the ECM is typically found in the right-hand (passenger side) front of the engine compartment. On other models, it may be on the firewall or inner fender. Consult a service manual for your specific vehicle if you’re unsure.
- Disconnect the Module: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves. Unbolt the ECM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New ECM: Mount the new, pre-programmed ECM in the same location and secure it with the original hardware. Firmly reconnect the electrical harnesses until they click into place.
- Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: Most GM vehicles require a security relearn procedure to sync the new ECM with the vehicle’s anti-theft system. This can typically be done without special tools by cycling the ignition key. A common method is: Turn the key to ‘ON’ for 10 minutes, ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeat this cycle three times. Your vehicle should then start.
Verified Compatibility Across a Wide Range of GM Vehicles
While this is a core part for the 2009 Corvette, its versatile design allows it to be programmed for a broad selection of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your part number and application from the list below. This module is a direct replacement for service numbers: 12636659, 12639300, 1263605, 12628993, 12628911, 12625453, 12622175, 12630464, and 12678512.
- Buick: Lucerne (2009-11, 4.6L)
- Cadillac: CTS (2009, 6.2L), DTS (2009-11), SRX (2009, 4.6L), STS (2009-10, 4.4L/4.6L), XLR (2009)
- Chevrolet: Colorado (2009-12), Corvette (2009, ZR1), Trailblazer (2009, 6.0L)
- GMC: Canyon (2009-12), Envoy (2009, 5.3L)
- Hummer: H3 (2009-10)
- Saab: 9-7X (2009)
What is VIN programming and why do I need it?
What is VIN programming and why do I need it?
VIN programming loads your vehicle’s specific operational data—like engine size, transmission type, and security information—onto the ECM. Without it, the module won’t be able to communicate correctly with the other systems in your car. Our service ensures the ECM is a perfect electronic match for your vehicle, ready for installation.
Will this ECM fix my specific problem?
This module is the solution for failures of the ECM itself. While symptoms like stalling or a no-start can have other causes (like a bad fuel pump or sensor), if you have diagnosed the ECM as the faulty component or have ECM-specific codes like P0601, this part is the correct fix.
Do I need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation?
Yes, almost all GM vehicles of this era require a security relearn (also called a Passlock or Passkey relearn) to allow the engine to start. This procedure syncs the new ECM to your vehicle’s anti-theft system and can usually be done at home by cycling the ignition key, as described in our installation guide.
Is this a direct replacement for my original part?
Absolutely. This ECM, part number 12628911, is a direct replacement for the original equipment and is interchangeable with several other GM service numbers. We program it to ensure it functions identically to your original module, but with the benefit of the latest software updates.
Where is the ECM located on my 2009 Corvette?
On the 2009 Corvette, the ECM is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side (RH side), near the front of the vehicle. It’s a silver metal box with large electrical connectors.