Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or SUV
Is your 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT 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 these symptoms countless times. Often, the root cause isn’t a simple sensor but the very brain of your vehicle: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a direct solution to restore your vehicle’s reliability and drivability. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair by programming this module specifically to your vehicle’s VIN with the latest GM software updates before it even leaves our facility.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
A failing PCM can cause a wide range of frustrating issues. Before you start replacing expensive sensors, check if your vehicle is experiencing any of the following. In my shop, a faulty PCM is a common culprit for these problems:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light with codes like P0601, P0606, or other internal processor faults.
- ✔ Vehicle randomly stalling or refusing to start.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and noticeable loss of power.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Communication errors with other modules (U-codes).
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing.
Case Study: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in a 2005 Sierra 2500 with the 6.0L, a truck that had been to three other shops for an intermittent, violent misfire. They had replaced plugs, wires, coils, and even injectors on cylinder #3, but the problem always returned after a few days. My scan tool showed no current codes, but the freeze-frame data was a mess. After hours of diagnostics, I noticed the injector pulse width for cylinder #3 would drop out randomly under load. It wasn’t the injector; it was the driver circuit inside the PCM that was failing when it got hot. We installed a VIN-programmed PCM, performed the necessary security relearn, and the truck has run perfectly ever since. This is a classic example of how a failing 2003-2006 Escalade EXT PCM can mimic other component failures.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
One of the biggest advantages of this module is that it arrives ready for installation, saving you a trip to the dealership. For most of the compatible vehicles, the process is straightforward. Here’s a general guide:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Locate the PCM: On most of these GM trucks and SUVs, the PCM is located in the engine bay on the driver’s side, often under or next to the battery tray in a black plastic housing.
- Disconnect the Harnesses: Carefully lift the locking levers on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out from the module. There are typically two or three main connectors. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the bracket or housing holding the old PCM in place and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New PCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed PCM in the same location. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place and the locking levers are fully seated.
- Reconnect the Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: You will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure (often called a CASE relearn) to sync the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This can typically be done without special tools and instructions are readily available online for your specific model.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Electronic Control Module is a direct replacement for service numbers 89017750, 12582605, 12589463, 12602802, 89017734, and 28042802. It is guaranteed to fit the following models:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I provide my VIN number?
After completing your purchase, please send us a message with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot program and ship your module without it. The VIN is essential for loading the correct GM software and vehicle-specific parameters.
Is this really a plug-and-play part?
Almost! Because we pre-program it with your VIN, it eliminates the need for expensive dealer-level programming tools. However, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure after installation, which syncs the new PCM to your vehicle’s keys and anti-theft system. This procedure is simple and typically takes about 30 minutes with no special tools required.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This PCM is a direct solution for issues caused by a faulty module, such as internal processor errors (P0601-P0606), failed driver circuits, and communication faults. While it solves many common problems, proper vehicle diagnosis is always recommended to ensure the PCM is the source of your issue.
What if my original part number is not 28042802?
This module is a direct replacement for a range of service numbers, including 89017750, 12582605, 12589463, and 12602802, among others. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list, this module will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.
Do I need to send my old PCM (core) back?
No core charge or return is required for this particular part. You can recycle your old module locally.