Restore Peak Performance to Your Cadillac
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless drivers frustrated by perplexing engine issues. Your 2008 Cadillac DTS is a sophisticated machine, and its Engine Control Module (ECM) is the central command center. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of problems that are often misdiagnosed, leading to wasted time and money on unnecessary repairs. This isn’t just another part; it’s the brain of your engine, and getting a reliable, correctly programmed replacement is critical.
This isn’t a blank module that requires a trip to the dealership. We take the hassle out of the repair by pre-programming this ECM with the latest GM software updates, specifically matched to your vehicle’s VIN. This ensures that all factory parameters for fuel delivery, ignition timing, transmission shifting, and emissions control are perfectly restored. You get a component that’s ready for installation right out of the box, solving the problem correctly the first time.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A few months back, a 2008 Cadillac DTS was brought to my bay. The owner was at his wit’s end. The car had an intermittent no-start condition and would occasionally stall at stoplights. Two other shops had replaced the fuel pump and crankshaft position sensor, but the problem persisted. No hard fault codes were stored, just a history of communication loss (U-codes). After running a full network diagnostic, I noticed the ECM would intermittently drop offline. On a hunch, I heat-gunned the module slightly, and the engine immediately stalled. The problem wasn’t a sensor; it was a hairline fracture on the ECM’s main board, a common failure point due to years of heat cycles. A new, properly programmed ECM like this one had the car running reliably in under an hour.
Is Your Cadillac Showing These Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty engine computer could be the culprit. I’ve seen these symptoms in my shop hundreds of times.
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor Fault).
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or hesitating for no apparent reason.
- ✔ A complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Communication error codes (U-codes) indicating the ECM is not communicating with other modules.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Replacing the 2008 DTS Engine Control Module is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. Our pre-programming service eliminates the most difficult step, saving you a costly trip to the dealer.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 15 minutes for all capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the Cadillac DTS, the ECM is typically found in the engine compartment. Consult your vehicle’s service manual for the exact location, but it’s often near the air cleaner assembly or on the firewall.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Most have a locking tab that needs to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed ECM into place. Reconnect the electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into position.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: Your vehicle may require a simple security relearn procedure to recognize the new ECM. This can typically be done without special tools (often involving turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes). We include instructions for this simple process.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM, part number 12590032, is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. It is interchangeable with service numbers 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below to ensure proper fitment. This is a partial list of compatible models:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VIN programming work?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians use this number to access the latest official GM software for your exact vehicle configuration. We flash this software onto the 2008 DTS Engine Control Module before shipping, so it arrives ready to install.
Is this part truly ‘plug and play’?
Yes, for the vast majority of vehicles. Because we program it to your VIN, it eliminates the need for a dealer’s scan tool. In some cases, a simple ‘security relearn’ procedure is required, which we provide easy-to-follow instructions for. This does not require any special tools.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the ECM (like codes P0601, P0606), then yes, this part is the correct fix. It’s essential to have a proper diagnosis to confirm the ECM is the root cause before ordering.
What if I have a different part number on my original module?
This module, 12590032, directly replaces several other GM service numbers, including 12602044, 12603530, and more, as listed in the description. As long as your vehicle model and year are on our compatibility list, this module will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.
Do I need to send my old ECM to you?
No core charge or return is required for this purchase. You can recycle your old module locally.