If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, poor engine performance, or a 2006 Malibu that just won’t start, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is a likely culprit. As the ‘brain’ of your vehicle, the ECM controls everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of confusing problems. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the hassle and high cost out of the repair by programming this module specifically for your vehicle’s VIN before it ever leaves our facility.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 2006 Malibu 3.9L that came into the shop with an intermittent stalling issue that no one could pin down. The owner had already replaced the fuel pump and crankshaft sensor. The car would run fine for days, then suddenly die at a stoplight. It threw a generic P0606 (ECM Processor Fault) code, but only sporadically. After verifying power and ground integrity to the ECM, we knew the internal processor was the issue. Instead of sending the customer to a dealership for a costly replacement and programming session, we sourced this exact part. We provided the VIN, received it pre-programmed, and installed it in under 30 minutes. The car ran perfectly, and the customer saved hundreds on dealer labor and programming fees. That’s the value of a pre-flashed module.
Common Signs of a Failing ECM
A faulty engine computer can manifest in numerous ways. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, a new ECM could be the solution you need. Proper diagnosis is always recommended, but these are classic symptoms I’ve seen in my 20+ years of experience.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start
- ✔ Unexplained drop in fuel efficiency
- ✔ Rough or unpredictable idling
- ✔ Engine stalling or misfiring
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Loss of communication with the scan tool
A Straightforward Guide to Your ECM Swap
One of the biggest benefits of this module is its simple, DIY-friendly installation. Because the critical programming is already done, you’re just swapping hardware. For a 2006 Malibu, the ECM is typically located in or under the air cleaner filter box assembly.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the Module: Find the old ECM. On many vehicles like the Malibu or Impala, this involves removing the air cleaner housing.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the electrical wiring harnesses from the old ECM. These connectors have locking tabs that must be released before pulling. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old ECM: Unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New ECM: 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, and then reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: In some cases, a security or crankshaft variation (CASE) relearn procedure may be required. This can often be initiated with a capable scan tool or by following a specific drive cycle.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Engine Control Module, service number 12630457, is a direct replacement for a wide array of General Motors vehicles and is interchangeable with part numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 19210737. Please verify your vehicle’s make, model, year, and engine options in the comprehensive list below to ensure a perfect match.
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 do I need to do after I purchase?
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we have this information. We use the VIN to load the correct, most recent GM-approved software for your specific vehicle, ensuring a perfect match.
Will I need to have this programmed by a dealer?
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we have this information. We use the VIN to load the correct, most recent GM-approved software for your specific vehicle, ensuring a perfect match.
My original part number is different. Will this still work?
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we have this information. We use the VIN to load the correct, most recent GM-approved software for your specific vehicle, ensuring a perfect match.
Where is the ECM on a 2006 Chevy Malibu?
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we have this information. We use the VIN to load the correct, most recent GM-approved software for your specific vehicle, ensuring a perfect match.
What is a CASE relearn and will I need to do one?
What do I need to do after I purchase?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your part until we have this information. We use the VIN to load the correct, most recent GM-approved software for your specific vehicle, ensuring a perfect match.