Restore Peak Performance to Your Cadillac DTS
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) can bring an otherwise perfect vehicle to a grinding halt. If your 2006 Cadillac DTS is suffering from frustrating issues like intermittent stalling, a persistent check engine light, or poor fuel economy, the culprit is very likely a faulty ECM. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s the brain of your engine, and when it falters, everything from ignition timing to transmission shifting can be compromised.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair by professionally programming this ECM to your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ever leaves our facility. This critical step ensures seamless communication with your car’s other modules and loads the latest, most stable software updates from GM. You get a part that’s ready to install right out of the box, saving you from a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Stall
I remember a 2006 Cadillac DTS that came into the bay with a problem that had stumped two other shops. The owner reported random stalling, but only after driving for 30+ minutes on a hot day. No codes were stored. We hooked up our diagnostic scanner and went for a long drive, monitoring live data from the ECM. Sure enough, as the engine bay heated up, we saw the processor data stream start to glitch and drop out right before it stalled. The original ECM had developed an internal fault that was sensitive to heat. Swapping in a pre-programmed module like this one solved the problem permanently. It’s a classic failure mode these modules can exhibit.
Is Your Cadillac Showing These ECM Failure Signs?
- âś” Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear.
- âś” Engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving.
- âś” No-start or hard-starting conditions, especially when warm.
- âś” Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency (MPG).
- âś” Rough idling or poor engine performance.
- âś” Transmission shifting issues or getting stuck in gear.
- âś” Stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as P0601, P0606, or U0100.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
Installing your new 2006 DTS Engine Control Module is a manageable task for a confident DIYer. Follow these steps carefully for a successful replacement.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 15 minutes to allow the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2006 Cadillac DTS, the Engine Control Module is typically located in the engine compartment. Consult a vehicle-specific repair manual if you have trouble finding it.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old module. These connectors have locking tabs; do not force them. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM in place and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses back into the new module until they click securely. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: In many cases, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure to sync the new ECM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’, and repeating two more times before starting the engine.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 12630457, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and interchanges with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 19210737. Please verify your vehicle from the list below.
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
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN is essential for us to program the Engine Control Module with the exact software and calibrations your specific vehicle requires. This ensures perfect compatibility with your engine, transmission, and factory options, making the installation process as smooth as possible.
Is any additional programming required after installation?
No, this ECM comes fully programmed to your vehicle. The only step you may need to perform is a simple Security Relearn Procedure, which syncs the module to your car’s anti-theft system and can be done without any special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty ECM (e.g., codes P0601-P0606), this replacement module is the correct solution. However, you should always diagnose the stored trouble codes properly to ensure the ECM is the root cause and not a separate sensor or wiring issue.
What if I have an aftermarket performance chip?
This module is programmed with the latest factory GM software. It is not designed to work with aftermarket performance chips or modifications that alter the factory engine parameters. For best results, your vehicle should be in its original factory configuration.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, the installation is very straightforward. It involves disconnecting the battery, unplugging the old module, unbolting it, and then reversing the process with the new one. Our step-by-step guide can help you through the process.
