Restore Peak Performance to Your Vehicle with a Plug-and-Play Solution
Is your Buick Encore, Chevy Cruze, or Sonic running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems. The ECM is the brain of your engine, managing everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifts. When it fails, your vehicle’s performance and reliability suffer dramatically.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution. We offer this genuine OEM-spec ECM, part number 12668991, professionally programmed to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures that the module arrives at your door loaded with the latest factory software from GM. You get a component that communicates flawlessly with your vehicle’s other systems, restoring the smooth operation and efficiency you expect, without the exorbitant cost and scheduling headaches of a dealership visit.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 2015 Chevy Sonic with the 1.4L turbo that came into my shop. The owner was frustrated with intermittent power loss and a random P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor Fault) code that would appear and disappear. We checked wiring, sensors, and grounds—everything looked perfect. On a hunch, we swapped in a known-good, programmed ECM. The difference was immediate. The hesitation vanished, the code never returned, and the engine ran smoother than it had in years. This experience highlights how internal ECM faults, often due to heat cycles and vibration, can create phantom issues that even seasoned mechanics chase for hours. A reliable, correctly programmed 2013-2016 Encore Engine Module is often the definitive fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A faulty ECM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution:
- âś” Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM).
- âś” The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- âś” Noticeable drop in fuel economy for no apparent reason.
- âś” Rough idling, stalling, or engine hesitation during acceleration.
- âś” Automatic transmission shifting erratically or harshly.
- âś” Failure to pass state emissions testing.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new ECM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer or a quick task for any professional mechanic. Getting your vehicle back on the road is simpler than you think.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the Old ECM: On most compatible vehicles like the Encore or Cruze, the ECM is found in the engine bay, often near the battery or firewall. It’s a silver metal box with several large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt your new, pre-programmed ECM into place. Securely reconnect the wiring harnesses, making sure they click and lock into position.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps: In many cases, the vehicle will start and run perfectly. Some GM vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure (often called a “key cycle relearn”), which can be done without special tools and takes about 10-15 minutes. Instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and interchanges with several part numbers, including 12668866, 12668994, 12643636, and more. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below. After purchase, simply provide us with your VIN to ensure we program the correct software for your specific application.
CRUZE 16 Electronic Control Module; VIN P (4th digit, Limited)
SONIC 12 Electronic Control Module; 1.4L
ELR 14-16 Electronic Control Module; gasoline, (LH rear engine compartment)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.8L
CRUZE 12 Electronic Control Module; 1.4L
CRUZE 15 Electronic Control Module; gasoline, ID 12668866
SONIC 15 Electronic Control Module; ID 12668866
TRAX 13-14 Electronic Control Module; 1.4L
SONIC 13 Electronic Control Module; ID 12643636
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 6.0L
SAVANA 3500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 6.0L
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 6.0L
SONIC 14 Electronic Control Module; (ID 12643636)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.8L
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 12-16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 12-16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
VOLT 11-15 Electronic Control Module; gasoline, (LH rear engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.8L
CRUZE 14 Electronic Control Module; gasoline
SAVANA 2500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 6.0L
SONIC 16 Electronic Control Module
CRUZE 13 Electronic Control Module
ENCORE 15 Electronic Control Module; (1.4L), ID 12643636
ENCORE 16 Electronic Control Module; (1.4L), VIN B (8th digit, opt LUV)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 4.8L
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 12-16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 12-16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
TRAX 15-16 Electronic Control Module
SIERRA DENALI 2500 12-15 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
SUBURBAN 3500 16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
ENCORE 13-14 Electronic Control Module; (1.4L)
SPARK 14-15 Electronic Control Module; gasoline model
SIERRA DENALI 3500 12-16 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 6.0L
ENCORE 15 Electronic Control Module; (1.4L), ID 12668866
SONIC 15 Electronic Control Module; ID 12643636
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this module programmed by a dealer?
Do I need to get this module programmed by a dealer?
No. This is the biggest benefit we offer. We program the module to your car’s VIN before shipping it. It arrives ready for installation, saving you a trip to the dealer and hundreds in programming fees.
What is a VIN and where do I find it?
The VIN is your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. You can find it on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Will this fix my specific problem?
If your vehicle is exhibiting the common symptoms listed above and a mechanic has diagnosed a faulty ECM, this part is the correct solution. A new, properly programmed 2013-2016 Encore Engine Module is essential for resolving internal processor and communication faults.
Is any additional setup needed after installation?
For some GM vehicles, a simple security relearn procedure may be necessary to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This typically involves a sequence of turning the key on and off and can be done in your driveway without any special scan tools.