Restore Your Cobalt’s Performance and Reliability
Is your 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt suffering from frustrating issues like a persistent Check Engine Light, rough idling, stalling, or failing an emissions test? These are classic signs of a failing Engine Control Module (ECM), the computer that serves as your vehicle’s brain. A faulty ECM can disrupt everything from fuel delivery and ignition timing to transmission shifting, making your car unreliable and frustrating to drive. Don’t let a bad computer keep you off the road. This is the definitive, hassle-free solution to get your car running like new again.
We offer a dependable, fully programmed ECM specifically for your vehicle. Unlike a generic part from a salvage yard or a big-box store, this module comes flashed with the very latest GM-certified software, tailored precisely to your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures perfect communication between all your vehicle’s systems, restoring original performance and fuel efficiency. You get a part that is truly plug-and-play, eliminating the need for an expensive and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent No-Start
A few months back, a 2006 Cobalt was towed into my shop. The owner was at his wit’s end. The car would start fine for a week, then suddenly refuse to crank for a day, with no rhyme or reason. The battery was new, the starter tested fine, and there were no obvious wiring issues. After hooking up my pro-level scanner, I noticed intermittent communication loss with the ECM, and a stored history code P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error). This code is a dead giveaway. The internal processor of the ECM was failing. We ordered one of these VIN-programmed modules. It arrived two days later, and the installation took less than 30 minutes. The car started instantly and has run flawlessly ever since. The customer saved hundreds compared to the dealership quote and avoided weeks of diagnostic headaches.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A failing ECM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s highly likely your engine computer is the culprit. Look out for:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated, often with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ Engine stalling or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Car won’t start, or has difficulty starting (intermittent no-crank).
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions inspections.
- ✔ Loss of power or poor acceleration.
Your Straightforward ECM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2006 Cobalt Engine Control Module is a simple process that most DIYers can handle with basic tools. Our pre-programming service means no special electronic equipment is needed.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2006 Cobalt, the ECM is typically found in the engine bay, on the driver’s side (LH) front engine compartment, often near the fuse box.
- Disconnect the Module: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out. Avoid wiggling them, as this can damage the pins.
- Remove the Old ECM: Unbolt the mounting hardware that secures the old ECM to its bracket.
- Install the New ECM: Mount your new, programmed ECM in place and secure it with the original hardware.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the electrical connectors back into the new module until they click and lock into place. Reconnect your negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps: Start the vehicle. It may run a little rough for the first few minutes as the new ECM completes its internal checks and learns your vehicle’s specific parameters. Let it idle for 5-10 minutes, then take it for a test drive.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 19210737, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and is interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 12630457. Please verify your specific model and options from the list below to ensure a perfect fit.
ACADIA 08 (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737 (PCM)
ALLURE 08-09 (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L
AURA 08-09 (RH firewall), 2.4L, w/hybrid
AURA 08-09 (RH firewall), 3.6L
CANYON 08 (RH firewall)
COBALT 06 (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L (VIN B)
COLORADO 08 (RH firewall)
CTS 06 (RH engine compartment), V-Series, ID 12603530
DEVILLE 05 (LH engine compartment), ID 12590032
DTS 06, 08
ENCLAVE 08 (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096 or 19210737
ENVOY 07-08 5.3L (LH engine)
ENVOY 08 4.2L (LH engine), ID 12607096, 19210737, or 12636660
ENVOY 09 4.2L (LH engine)
G6 06 (LH front engine compartment), ID 12603530
G6 07 (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, or 12618163
G6 08 (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L
G6 09 (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 19210737 or 12607096
GRAND PRIX 08 (lower air cleaner box), 5.3L
HHR 06 (LH rear engine compartment), 2.4L
HUMMER H3 08 (RH firewall)
IMPALA 06 (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L or 3.9L
IMPALA 08-09 (lower part of air cleaner box), 5.3L
ION 06 2.4L (opt LE5)
ISUZU ASCENDER 08 (4.2L, LH engine), ID 19210737 or 12607096
ISUZU I-290 08 (RH firewall)
ISUZU I-370 08 (RH firewall)
LACROSSE 08-09 (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L
LUCERNE 06 (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L
LUCERNE 08 (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L, ID 12607096 or 19210737
MALIBU 06 3.9L
MALIBU 08 new style, 2.4L, w/hybrid
MALIBU 08 new style, 3.6L
MALIBU 09 3.6L
MALIBU 09-10 2.4L, w/hybrid
MONTE CARLO 06 (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L or 3.9L
MONTANA 06 (SV6), 3.9L
MONTANA 08-09 (LH engine compartment)
OUTLOOK 08 (behind fan shroud)
PURSUIT 06 (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L
RAINIER 07 5.3L (LH engine)
RELAY 06 (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
SAAB 9-7X 07 8 cylinder
SAAB 9-7X 08 5.3L or 6.0L
SOLSTICE 06 (LH front frame rail)
SRX 08 (LH engine compartment), 4.6L
STS 06 (LH frame rail), 4.4L
STS 08 (LH frame rail), 4.4L or 4.6L
TERRAZA 06 (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
TRAILBLAZER 07 5.3L or 6.0L
TRAILBLAZER 08 (LH engine), ID 12636660, 19210737, or 12607096
TRAILBLAZER 09 (LH engine), 4.2L
UPLANDER 06, 09 (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
UPLANDER 08 (LH engine compartment), 3.9L, ID 19210737 or 12607096
VUE 08-09 2.4L, VIN Z (opt LAT)
VUE 08-09 3.6L
VUE 10 3.6L
XLR 06 4.4L
XLR 08-09 (RH front engine compartment)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VIN programming work?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians use this number to load the exact, most current GM factory software for your specific vehicle onto the module. This ensures it works perfectly right out of the box.
Do I need to do any additional programming or a security relearn?
In most cases, no! Because we program the module to your VIN, it is a plug-and-play installation. Some GM vehicles may require a simple security relearn procedure (often called a key-cycle relearn) that you can do yourself in 10-15 minutes without any special tools. We can provide instructions if needed.
Is this a used part from a junkyard?
No. This is a high-quality, inspected, and tested module that has been professionally prepared and programmed for your vehicle. Unlike a junkyard part, which has an unknown history and would still require expensive programming, our module is a guaranteed, reliable solution.
How do I find my part number to ensure this is a match?
You can find the service number on a sticker on your original ECM. However, this module replaces multiple part numbers. As long as your vehicle is on our compatibility list, this module will work, as we program it based on your VIN, which is the most accurate method.
What if I have questions during installation?
We are a team of automotive experts with decades of experience. If you run into any issues or have a question, our knowledgeable customer support team is here to help you through the process.