Is Your GM Vehicle Experiencing Mysterious Engine Problems?
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen it all. A 2010 Saturn Outlook, or maybe a GMC Acadia or Chevy Traverse from the same era, comes into the shop. The owner is frustrated. The vehicle randomly stalls, refuses to start, or the check engine light is on with a list of communication codes that don’t seem to make sense. The engine might run rough, shift poorly, or get terrible gas mileage. These aren’t just random annoyances; they’re classic signs that the brain of your engine—the Engine Control Module (ECM)—is failing.
The ECM, also known as the engine computer, is responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shift points and emissions controls. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of confusing and often intermittent problems that are a nightmare to diagnose. In my shop, I’ve traced these exact symptoms back to a faulty ECM hundreds of times on these specific GM platforms.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Connections First!
Before you condemn your ECM, I always tell my customers to do a simple but crucial check. Pop the hood and inspect the ECM’s electrical connectors and the main engine wiring harness grounds. On these vehicles, the ECM is often located behind the fan shroud, where it’s exposed to heat and vibration. A loose or corroded ground wire can mimic the symptoms of a failed ECM. A quick wiggle test of the connectors and cleaning the main ground points on the engine block can sometimes save you a lot of time and money. If those are solid, the ECM itself is the next logical culprit.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 12636355 ECM:
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a failing engine computer is a very likely cause. I’ve personally diagnosed these issues originating from the ECM on countless GM 3.6L vehicles:
- ✔ Check Engine Light (CEL) is illuminated with various, often communication-related, DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).
- ✔ Vehicle enters a no-start or hard-start condition, either intermittently or permanently.
- ✔ Engine stalling unexpectedly while driving or idling.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Poor engine performance, hesitation, or misfiring.
- ✔ Automatic transmission shifting erratically or harshly.
- ✔ Loss of communication with the ECM when using a diagnostic scan tool.
The Reliable, Programmed Solution
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We are providing a genuine GM Engine Control Module, part number 12636355, that is professionally programmed specifically for your vehicle. When you place your order, you’ll provide us with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We then use that VIN to flash the module with the absolute latest, most stable software updates directly from General Motors. This is a critical step that dealerships charge a premium for. This process ensures the ECM works seamlessly with your vehicle’s specific configuration and often corrects underlying software bugs that may have existed in your original module.
Why VIN Programming is Essential:
- ✔ Guaranteed Compatibility: Programming to the VIN ensures the module is a perfect match for your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and options.
- ✔ Latest GM Software: We load the newest software, which includes fixes for performance, shifting, and emissions that GM has released over the years.
- ✔ Simplified Installation: For most models, this makes the installation a direct plug-and-play process, getting you back on the road faster.
Important Note for Camaro and LaCrosse Owners
Due to the specific anti-theft (immobilizer) systems in the 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro and Buick LaCrosse, a simple VIN flash is not enough to make the module plug-and-play. To provide you with a unit that starts the car without a trip to the dealer, we require you to send us your original ECM. We will read the unique immobilizer data from your old module and write it to the new one. This cloning process makes the replacement truly seamless. We will contact you with shipping instructions after your purchase.
This ECM is a Direct Replacement For:
This module is compatible with the following part numbers. If your original module has any of these numbers, this is the correct part for you.
- ✔ 19300015
- ✔ 19300014
- ✔ 12617230
- ✔ 12636355
- ✔ 12635019
Verified Vehicle Fitment:
This part is confirmed to fit the following vehicles. Please verify your model and engine before ordering.
- ✔ 2010-2011 Buick LaCrosse / Allure (with 3.6L Engine)
- ✔ 2010-2011 Buick Enclave
- ✔ 2010-2011 Chevrolet Traverse
- ✔ 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro (with 3.6L Engine)
- ✔ 2010-2011 Cadillac CTS (with 3.6L Engine)
- ✔ 2010-2011 Cadillac STS (with 3.6L Engine)
- ✔ 2010-2011 GMC Acadia
- ✔ 2010 Saturn Outlook