Is Your Chevrolet Cruze Running Rough, Stalling, or Showing a Check Engine Light?
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless drivers frustrated by mysterious engine problems. A flickering check engine light, unexplained stalling, poor fuel economy, or a car that simply won’t start can ruin your day. Often, the culprit is the very brain of your vehicle’s engine: the Engine Control Module (ECM). When the ECM fails, it can send the wrong signalsโor no signals at allโto critical components, causing a cascade of performance issues that can be difficult to diagnose.
The Direct Solution: A VIN-Programmed Engine Control Module
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution for your 2012-2016 Cruze ECM and a wide range of other GM vehicles. The biggest hurdle with modern electronics is the need for expensive dealer programming. We eliminate that step entirely. Before this module ships, our experts will program it with the latest GM-certified software, specifically matched to your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures seamless communication between the engine, transmission, and all other onboard systems, restoring the precise performance your vehicle had when it left the factory.
Expert Pro Tip: Check for Oil Contamination Before You Install
In my shop, I’ve seen many ECMs get condemned prematurely. On these GM engines, a common point of failure is a leaking camshaft position sensor or oil pressure switch. Oil can seep into the sensor’s connector and, through capillary action, travel all the way up the wiring harness into the ECM connector. This oil contamination can short out the pins and mimic a failed ECM. Before you replace your module, take 5 minutes to unplug the main harness connectors at the ECM and inspect them for any signs of engine oil. If you find oil, you must clean the harness thoroughly and replace the leaking sensor to prevent damage to your new ECM.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM ECM:
- โ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with various trouble codes
- โ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- โ Complete no-start or hard-starting condition
- โ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- โ Poor or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- โ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
Getting your vehicle back on the road is simple. Because we handle the programming, you can perform the installation yourself or have your local mechanic do it without needing specialized GM diagnostic tools for setup.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery.
- Locate the ECM: On most compatible vehicles like the Cruze, the ECM is located in the engine bay, typically mounted to the firewall or inner fender.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Then, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt your new, pre-programmed ECM into place.
- Reconnect: Firmly plug in the electrical connectors until they click securely. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: In some cases, a security or crank relearn procedure may be required, which can be done with many common scan tools. However, the core engine programming is complete.
Guaranteed Compatibility and Performance
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and part numbers, ensuring a perfect fit and function. Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest.
Replaces Part Numbers: 12668866, 12668994, 12643636, 12663405, 12670335, 22819494, 12692200
Partial Fitment List Includes: Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, Trax, Volt, Spark, ELR, Express, Silverado, Suburban; GMC Savana, Sierra; Buick Encore, and more. Please verify the part number or use the compatibility chart to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle and options.