Restore Your Cadillac’s Performance and Reliability
Is your 2006 Cadillac DTS experiencing frustrating issues like stalling, a persistent check engine light, or erratic engine behavior? These are classic signs of a failing Engine Control Module (ECM), the central computer that governs your vehicle’s performance. A faulty ECM can disrupt everything from fuel delivery to transmission shifting, making your car unreliable and stressful to drive. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical component failure that needs a dependable solution.
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless drivers spend a fortune at dealerships for ECM replacement and programming. We offer a smarter, more efficient solution. This ECM, part number 12603530, is not just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install fix. We pre-program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN using the latest GM-certified software. This ensures perfect communication with your car’s other systems and often includes drivability improvements that weren’t available when your car was new.
Signs Your Cadillac’s ECM is Failing
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways, often mimicking other component failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your ECM is a likely culprit. In my shop, intermittent electrical gremlins are frequently traced back to a failing processor in the module.
- ✔ Vehicle will not start or has trouble starting.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with communication codes (like U0100) or internal processor fault codes (P0601, P0606).
- ✔ Poor or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Engine stalling, stuttering, or misfiring for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Apparent loss of spark or fuel injector pulse.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2006 Cadillac DTS that would randomly stall at stoplights. No codes were stored initially, making it a diagnostic headache. We checked fuel pressure, sensors, and wiring—all were fine. The issue was so intermittent. Finally, while monitoring live data, we saw the ECM’s 5-volt reference signal flicker and drop out just before a stall. The internal processor was failing under heat soak. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, and the customer was back on the road the same day, problem solved, without paying for dealership programming fees.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the 2006 DTS Engine Control Module is a job most DIY enthusiasts can handle with basic tools. Our pre-programmed unit eliminates the most complicated step. While locations vary slightly, the process is generally the same across compatible models.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental reconnection.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2006 DTS, the ECM is typically found in the engine compartment. Check inside the air cleaner assembly housing.
- Disconnect the Module: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old ECM. These connectors have locking tabs that need to be released—be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Remove the Old ECM: Unbolt the module from its mounting bracket. There are usually a few bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New ECM: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM and securely tighten the bolts. Reconnect the electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may need to complete a security relearn procedure, which can often be done without special tools (instructions are widely available online or in your owner’s manual).
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for service number 12603530 and is interchangeable with part numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
ALLURE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L; COLORADO 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall); ENVOY 07-08 Electronic Control Module; 5.3L (LH engine); ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 12607096; G6 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 19210737; MONTE CARLO 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L; XLR 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), ID 12607096; AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.4L, w/hybrid; DTS 06 Electronic Control Module; DEVILLE 05 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 12590032; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12605843; IMPALA 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L; LACROSSE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L; STS 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.4L; TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 12636660; UPLANDER 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L); ISUZU ASCENDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (4.2L, LH engine), ID 19210737; SAAB 9-7X 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 8 cylinder; TRAILBLAZER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L; ENCLAVE 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737; LUCERNE 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L, ID 12607096; MONTE CARLO 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L; RAINIER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L; ISUZU ASCENDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (4.2L, LH engine), ID 12607096; CTS 06 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), V-Series, ID 12603530; STS 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.6L; G6 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 12603530; G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L; ION 06 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L (opt LE5); MALIBU 06 Electronic Control Module; 3.9L; MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 2.4L, w/hybrid; RELAY 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L; VUE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, VIN Z (8th digit, opt LAT); OUTLOOK 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud); SOLSTICE 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front frame rail); VUE 08 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L; VUE 09 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L, VIN 7 (8th digit, opt LY7); ACADIA 07-08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096 (ECM); AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.6L; ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 19210737; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12603530; GRAND PRIX 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner box), 5.3L; HHR 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 2.4L; STS 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH frame rail), 4.4L; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12590032; ISUZU I-290 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall); LUCERNE 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L; MALIBU 09-10 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L, w/hybrid; UPLANDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L), ID 19210737; IMPALA 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L; MONTANA 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (SV6), 3.9L; TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 19210737; ENVOY 08 Electronic Control Module; 4.2L (LH engine), ID 12636660; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12602044; TRAILBLAZER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), ID 12607096; TRAILBLAZER 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 4.2L; CANYON 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall); COBALT 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L (VIN B, 8th digit, 4-146); ISUZU I-370 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall); MALIBU 09 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L; SRX 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (4.6L); SAAB 9-7X 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 5.3L; ENCLAVE 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096; G6 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12607096; IMPALA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 5.3L; XLR 06 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), 4.4L; XLR 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment); ENVOY 09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 4.2L; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12607096; G6 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.6L, ID 12618163; LUCERNE 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L, ID 19210737; MONTANA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment); PURSUIT 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L; VUE 10 Electronic Control Module; 3.6L; ACADIA 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737 (PCM); DTS 08 Electronic Control Module; TERRAZA 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L; TRAILBLAZER 07 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 6.0L; SAAB 9-7X 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine), 6.0L; HUMMER H3 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall); MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 3.6L; UPLANDER 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), (3.9L), ID 12607096; UPLANDER 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.9L
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is VIN programming?
When you provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), we load the exact GM-specified software for your car’s options and features onto the module. This ensures it works correctly right out of the box, just like a new part from the factory, and prevents compatibility issues.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
For most individuals with basic mechanical skills, this is a very manageable job. It’s typically a matter of unplugging the old unit and plugging in the new one. Our programming service saves you the most difficult step, which is getting it synced by a dealer.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is on due to an internal fault or failure of the old ECM, then yes, this part will resolve the issue and allow the light to be cleared. However, it will not fix problems related to other faulty sensors or components on the vehicle.
What happens after I place my order?
After you purchase, you will need to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Once we receive it, our technicians will program the module. We will then ship the ready-to-install part directly to you.
Are any other steps required after installation?
In many cases, no. However, some GM vehicles require a security relearn procedure (also called a CASE learn or Passlock relearn) to sync the new ECM with the anti-theft system. This procedure can usually be performed without special tools and takes about 30 minutes.
