Restore Peak Performance to Your Saturn ION
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, poor fuel economy, or a car that just won’t start, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is often the culprit. As the central computer of your vehicle, the ECM manages everything from fuel injection to spark timing. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of confusing and costly problems. I’ve seen it countless times in my 20+ years in the garage: a perfectly good engine held hostage by a faulty computer. This isn’t just a part; it’s the solution to getting your reliable daily driver back on the road.
This isn’t just any replacement part. This is a fully programmed, plug-and-play solution specifically for your vehicle. We take your vehicle’s VIN and flash this module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This critical step ensures that once installed, the module communicates perfectly with your car’s other systems, restoring factory performance and efficiency. You get a reliable fix without the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. This is the same process we use in our own shop to guarantee a successful repair the first time.
Case Study: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in a 2006 Cobalt—which shares a similar electronic platform with the Saturn ION—with an intermittent no-start condition that had stumped two other shops. The car would run fine for days, then refuse to start for no apparent reason. We saw no consistent trouble codes, just a few random communication errors. After checking all the usual suspects (battery, starter, fuel pump), we focused on the ECM. Using an oscilloscope, we found the ECM’s 5-volt reference signal would occasionally drop out under thermal stress. We ordered a VIN-programmed module like this one. The installation took less than 30 minutes, and the car started perfectly. The “ghost” was gone, and the customer was back on the road without paying for dealership-level diagnostics.
Is Your Saturn Showing These Signs of ECM Failure?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need. Look out for:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0602, P0606 (Internal Control Module Processor Error) or U-series communication codes.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ The vehicle stalls intermittently while driving or at idle.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Misfires or rough running even after replacing plugs and coils.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
Your Straightforward ECM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2006 Saturn ION ECM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. Taking your time and following these steps will ensure a smooth process.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes to allow all capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the Module: On the 2006 Saturn ION, the ECM is typically located in the front left (driver’s side) of the engine compartment, near the air filter housing.
- Disconnect Wiring: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out from the module. Never force them; they should unclip smoothly. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old ECM: Unbolt the mounting hardware that secures the old ECM to its bracket. Keep the hardware, as you will need it for the new module.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM in place using the original hardware. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, making sure they click securely into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. In many cases, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock relearn), which typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes. Consult your vehicle’s specific procedure if necessary. Start the engine and verify the check engine light is off.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This ECM, part number 19210737, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles. It is interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, and 12630457. Please verify your vehicle is on this list before ordering.
ACADIA 07-08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 12607096 (ECM)
ACADIA 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737 (PCM)
ALLURE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L
AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 2.4L, w/hybrid
AURA 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.6L
CANYON 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
COBALT 06 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 2.4L (VIN B, 8th digit, 4-146)
COLORADO 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
CTS 06 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), V-Series, ID 12603530
DEVILLE 05 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), ID 12590032
DTS 06 Electronic Control Module
DTS 08 Electronic Control Module
ENCLAVE 08 Electronic Control Module; (behind fan shroud), ID 19210737
ENVOY 07-08 Electronic Control Module; 5.3L (LH engine)
G6 06-09 (Multiple engine and ID options)
HUMMER H3 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall)
IMPALA 06-09 (Multiple engine options)
ION 06 Electronic Control Module; 2.4L (opt LE5)
ISUZU ASCENDER / I-290 / I-370 (Multiple options)
LACROSSE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L
LUCERNE 06-08 (Multiple engine and ID options)
MALIBU 06-10 (Multiple engine and style options)
MONTE CARLO 06 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L & 3.9L
SAAB 9-7X 07-08 (Multiple engine options)
SATURN VUE 08-10 (Multiple engine options)
TRAILBLAZER 07-09 (Multiple engine and ID options)
…and many more. Please use the fitment checker or contact us with your VIN to confirm compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything after I buy this ECM?
Yes. After you complete your purchase, you MUST send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your order until we have this information, as we use it to program the module specifically for your car.
What does ‘flashed with the newest updates’ mean?
‘Flashed’ is the industry term for programming the module. Over the life of a vehicle, manufacturers like GM release software updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance reliability. We ensure your new ECM has the latest official software version loaded onto it, which is something you won’t always get with a used part from a salvage yard.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Yes, because we program it to your VIN, it is designed to be plug-and-play. However, some GM vehicles may require a simple, key-on security relearn procedure after installation to sync the module with your anti-theft system. This procedure does not require special tools and can be found online or in a service manual.
How do I know if this part number will fit my car?
This ECM (19210737) replaces several older part numbers. The best way to ensure a perfect match is to provide us with your VIN. You can also check the part number on your existing module against the list of interchangeable numbers we’ve provided.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the ECM (common codes P0601-P0606), then yes, this part will solve the problem. However, the check engine light can be triggered by hundreds of other issues. Always perform a proper diagnosis to confirm the ECM is the point of failure before ordering.