Restore Your Vehicle’s Core Performance with a VIN-Programmed ECM
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) can turn a reliable vehicle into a source of constant frustration. It’s the brain of your engine, and when it malfunctions, it can cause a cascade of confusing problems, from poor fuel economy and rough idling to a no-start condition that leaves you stranded. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that needs a reliable solution. That’s why we offer this professionally programmed Engine Control Module, designed to be a direct, hassle-free replacement for your 2006 Cadillac XLR and a wide range of other GM vehicles.
The biggest hurdle in replacing a modern ECM is the programming. Without it, the new module won’t communicate with your vehicle’s other systems, like the transmission or anti-theft immobilizer. Dealerships charge a premium for this service, and it often requires towing your vehicle to their shop. We eliminate that entire process. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our experts will flash this module with the latest, most stable GM software specific to your car. When it arrives, it’s ready for installation, saving you time, money, and a major headache. This is the same process we use in our own repair facility to ensure a first-time fix.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in a 2007 Chevy Trailblazer with what seemed like a classic transmission failure—harsh shifts and slipping between gears. They were convinced they needed a costly transmission rebuild. However, my diagnostic scan showed no transmission-specific fault codes, only a U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM). After checking the wiring and connectors, I suspected the ECM itself. We swapped in a VIN-programmed module like this one, and instantly, the shifting problems vanished. The faulty ECM was sending corrupt data to the transmission controller, causing all the symptoms. This repair saved the customer thousands of dollars and highlights why you should always consider the ECM when facing baffling electronic issues.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Telltale Signs of ECM Failure?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drop in fuel mileage.
- ✔ Rough or erratic engine idling.
- ✔ Stalling for no apparent reason while driving or at a stop.
- ✔ Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration.
- ✔ Automatic transmission shifts harshly or at the wrong times.
- ✔ Your scanner cannot communicate with the ECM.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before beginning any electronic work.
- ✔ Locate the ECM: The location varies. On a 2006 XLR, it’s typically in the right-hand front of the engine compartment. On other models, it could be on the firewall or near the air cleaner box. Refer to your owner’s manual or a service guide if unsure.
- ✔ Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old ECM. These usually have a locking tab or lever. Do not force them.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will reuse it.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM onto the bracket and secure it with the original hardware.
- ✔ Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses firmly into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn (If Needed): In some cases, a simple 10-15 minute security relearn procedure is required. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. Your vehicle’s service manual will have the exact steps.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM, part number 12602044, is a direct replacement for a vast array of General Motors vehicles. It is interchangeable with several service numbers, including 12590032, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. This ensures broad compatibility across brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, Isuzu, and Saab. Please see the detailed fitment list below to confirm this is the correct part for your specific year, make, and model.
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
Why do I need to provide my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) allows us to program the module with the exact software and calibrations for your vehicle’s specific engine, transmission, and options. This ensures perfect compatibility and function, including with the anti-theft system.
Is this part ready to install when it arrives?
Yes! Because we program it to your VIN before shipping, it is ready for installation right out of the box. In some rare cases, a simple ‘security relearn’ procedure may be needed, which you can do yourself without any special tools.
Will this fix my Check Engine Light?
If the Check Engine Light is caused by a faulty ECM (common codes include P0601-P0606), then replacing it with this module should resolve the issue. However, you should always diagnose the codes to ensure the ECM is the root cause and not another sensor or component.
What tools are required for installation?
Typically, you will only need basic hand tools, such as a socket set and a screwdriver, to remove the mounting bolts and disconnect the battery. No specialized diagnostic computers are needed for the installation itself.
How do I match the part number?
You can find the service number on a sticker on your original ECM. This module replaces part number 12602044 and is also a direct replacement for the other service numbers listed in our description, so as long as your number is on our list, you’re good to go.