Restore Your Buick’s Performance and Reliability
Is your 2013-2016 Buick Encore running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or refusing to start? Are you battling a persistent Check Engine Light that just won’t go away? You’re not just dealing with an annoyance; you’re facing a failure of the vehicle’s central computer. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems. This isn’t just a part; it’s the brain of your engine, and when it fails, your vehicle’s performance, fuel economy, and reliability suffer.
This is the definitive solution: a direct-fit replacement Engine Control Module for your Buick Encore. The best part? We handle the most critical and costly step for you. Before this module ships, we will flash it with the latest official GM software, programmed specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programming and no special tools required. You get a component that is ready for installation right out of the box, restoring your vehicle to its original factory specifications and fixing those nagging drivability issues for good.
Case Study: The Intermittent Encore Stall
A customer brought in a 2015 Encore that would stall randomly at stoplights. No codes were stored, making it a diagnostic nightmare. We checked fuel pressure, ignition components, and sensors—all were fine. On a hunch, I monitored live data and noticed the ECM command for the throttle body would momentarily drop out just before a stall. After swapping in a known-good, programmed ECM like this one, the problem vanished completely. It was a classic case of internal ECM failure that standard tests couldn’t catch, and this part was the one-and-done fix.
Common Signs of a Failing ECM
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ Your vehicle cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ The engine stalls, stutters, or misfires intermittently.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Communication errors with your diagnostic scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10 minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- ✔ Locate the ECM: On the Buick Encore, the ECM is typically located in the engine compartment. Consult your owner’s manual or a service guide for the exact position.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unlatch and remove the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Inspect them for any corrosion or damage.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will reuse it.
- ✔ Install the New ECM: Mount your new, pre-programmed module onto the bracket and secure it with the original hardware.
- ✔ Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors into the new ECM until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Relearn (If Necessary): While this module is programmed, some vehicles require a brief security or crank-sensor relearn procedure, which can often be done without special tools. Check your service manual for any vehicle-specific final steps.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM, part number 22819494, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles. It is interchangeable with part numbers 12668866, 12668994, 12643636, 12663405, 12670335, and 12692200. While this listing is focused on the 2013-2016 Buick Encore, it also fits many other models including the Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, Trax, Volt, Spark, Silverado, Suburban, and GMC Sierra, as well as Express and Savana vans. Please verify your original part number or consult the detailed fitment list to ensure perfect compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming myself?
No. This is the key benefit of our service. We program the module to the VIN you provide *before* we ship it. It arrives ready for installation, saving you a trip to the dealer.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, simply send us a message with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship the module until we receive this information.
Is this a simple DIY job?
For most individuals with basic mechanical skills, yes. The physical swap is usually just a few bolts and electrical connectors. Since the programming is done, the most complex part of the job is already handled for you.
Will this fix my car’s specific problem?
This module will correct issues directly caused by a failing ECM. If you’re experiencing symptoms like stalling, no-start conditions, or specific internal module fault codes (like P0601), this is very likely the solution. Proper diagnosis is always recommended.
What if my original part number is slightly different?
This module replaces several part numbers, including 12668866, 12643636, and others. As long as your original part number is on our interchange list, this module will function correctly in your vehicle once programmed.