Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or SUV
Is your Silverado, Sierra, or Tahoe suffering from frustrating and unpredictable electrical problems? As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) can wreak havoc on a perfectly good vehicle. It’s the brain of your engine, and when it starts to falter, you’ll notice everything from poor fuel economy and rough idling to a dreaded no-start condition. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reliability issue that can leave you stranded. Stop chasing phantom electrical gremlins and get the definitive solution.
This direct-fit Engine Control Module, part number 12674472, is the answer. We take the biggest headache out of the replacement process: programming. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our specialists will flash this module with the latest, most stable GM factory software specific to your truck. This ensures all engine and transmission parameters are correct from the moment you plug it in, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
Common Signs of a Failing ECM
- âś” Check Engine Light is on with communication-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0601, P0606, or U0100.
- âś” Your vehicle cranks but refuses to start, or starts and immediately stalls.
- âś” Unexplained drop in fuel mileage and poor engine performance.
- âś” The engine misfires, idles roughly, or hesitates during acceleration.
- âś” Automatic transmission shifts erratically or harshly.
- âś” Intermittent issues that disappear and reappear without a clear cause.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Stall
A customer brought in his 2017 Silverado 1500 with a problem that was driving him crazy. The truck would run perfectly for days, then suddenly stall at a red light and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. No consistent codes were stored, just a few random communication faults. After checking all the usual suspects—fuel pressure, battery, grounds—we hooked up a scope to the ECM’s power and data lines. We discovered that under certain heat conditions, the module’s internal processor was failing, causing it to shut down. Replacing the ECM with a VIN-programmed unit like this one solved the problem permanently. These intermittent issues are often the classic signature of a failing computer.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
- âś” Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- âś” Locate the ECM: On most Silverado and Sierra models, the ECM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the firewall or airbox.
- âś” Disconnect Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs and unplug the wiring harnesses from the old module. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- âś” Remove Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will reuse it.
- âś” Install New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed ECM into place and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock.
- âś” Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- âś” CRITICAL – Theft Relearn: Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position. If the vehicle does not start and a security light is flashing, a Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) relearn is required. This procedure must be performed using a professional GM diagnostic tool (such as Tis2web/Techline Connect). This is a standard security step for all modern GM vehicles.
- âś” Final Checks: Once the engine starts and runs, you may also need to perform other system initializations, like a crankshaft position variation relearn, for optimal performance.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 12674472 and is interchangeable with part numbers 12692068, 12704476, 12686382, 12674052, and 12678815. It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup
- 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 / Denali 1500 Pickup
- 2017 Cadillac Escalade / ESV
- 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- 2017 GMC Yukon / Yukon XL 1500
- 2017 Cadillac ATS (3.6L LF4)
- 2017 Cadillac CTS (3.6L LF3 / 6.2L Supercharged)
- 2017 Cadillac XTS (3.6L LF3)
- 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
Please verify your original part number or consult with us if you are unsure about fitment. Providing your VIN is the best way to ensure 100% compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send my old ECM back (core charge)?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep or dispose of your old module.
What exactly does ‘programmed to my VIN’ mean?
It means we load the specific General Motors software for your truck’s exact configuration—including engine, transmission, and emissions equipment—onto the module before shipping it. This makes installation much simpler than starting with a blank module.
My truck won’t start after installation. What do I do?
This is the vehicle’s anti-theft system working as designed. A Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) relearn procedure is required. This syncs the new ECM to your vehicle’s security system and requires a professional scan tool with GM software (like Techline Connect).
Is the theft relearn something I can do myself?
For most DIYers, no. The procedure requires specific software and hardware that is typically only owned by professional repair shops or dealerships. We recommend arranging for this service with your local trusted mechanic.
Will this fix my specific check engine light code?
This ECM is a common solution for codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) and other communication-related faults. However, proper diagnosis is key. Ensure you or your mechanic have ruled out wiring or sensor issues before replacing the module.