Is Your Silverado 1500 Acting Up? Let’s Get It Fixed.
As a mechanic with two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen it all. A truck that won’t start, idles rough, stalls at stoplights, or throws a Check Engine Light that has you chasing ghosts. Often, the root cause isn’t a bad sensor or a wiring issueโit’s the brain of the operation, the Engine Control Module (ECM). If your 2010-2013 Silverado or Sierra with the 4.3L engine is giving you headaches, you’ve likely found the permanent solution.
A Technician’s Real-World Experience
“A customer’s 2011 Sierra 1500 came in last week with these exact symptoms: intermittent stalling and a whole cluster of random communication error codes (U-codes). The owner had already replaced the throttle body and a MAP sensor with no luck. After confirming the power and grounds to the ECM were solid, we knew the module itself was failing internally. Swapping in a pre-programmed ECM like this one had his truck running perfectly in under an hour, saving him hundreds compared to a dealership visit.”
The Simple, No-Hassle Solution for Your Truck
Forget about towing your truck to a dealer and paying for expensive diagnostics and programming fees. We take the complexity out of the repair. This is a genuine GM Engine Control Module, service part number 12639471, that we professionally program with the latest GM-certified software specifically for your vehicle’s VIN. It arrives at your door ready for a straightforward installation.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 2010-2013 Silverado 1500 ECM:
- โ Check Engine Light is on with various, often confusing, trouble codes.
- โ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- โ Stalling for no apparent reason, either while driving or at idle.
- โ Noticeably poor engine performance and a drop in fuel economy.
- โ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- โ Communication issues with diagnostic scan tools.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
You can do this. The ECM on these trucks is very accessible. Follow these steps to get your Silverado back to its reliable self.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the ECM: On the Silverado and Sierra pickups, it’s located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, typically mounted to a bracket under the battery tray.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old ECM. These have locking tabs; be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New ECM: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM in the same location and secure the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harnesses back into the new module until they click. Reconnect your negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: A simple key cycle is usually all that’s needed. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (without starting the engine) for 10-15 seconds, then turn it ‘OFF’ for 5 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. This allows the vehicle’s security system to recognize the new ECM. Then, start your engine!
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Connections
Before installing your new ECM, take a moment to inspect the harness connectors for any signs of corrosion (green or white powder). The location under the battery makes them susceptible to acid leaks. Use a small brush and electrical contact cleaner to ensure the pins are perfectly clean. A poor connection can mimic ECM failure and cause issues with the new part.
Guaranteed Fitment & Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for vehicles equipped with the 4.3L V6 engine and is compatible with the following service numbers. Please verify one of these numbers is on your original part:
- 12635043
- 12639471
- 12653246
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
- 2010-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: (LH front under battery), 4.3L
- 2010-2013 GMC Sierra 1500: (LH front under battery), 4.3L
- 2010-2014 Chevrolet Express 1500 Van: (LH rear engine compartment), 4.3L
- 2010-2014 GMC Savana 1500 Van: (LH rear engine compartment), 4.3L
Our Simple Process
- Place your order for this ECM.
- Provide us with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during or after checkout.
- Our technicians will program the module with the latest software matched to your VIN.
- We ship the ready-to-install part directly to you.