Restore Peak Performance to Your Workhorse Van
Is your 2008 Express 1500 Van suddenly stalling, shifting erratically, or showing a persistent Check Engine Light? As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times, and they often point directly to a failing Engine Control Module (ECM). This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a problem that affects your vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy, and safety. You rely on your van, and you need a dependable fix that gets you back on the road without the exorbitant costs and delays of a dealership visit.
This is the definitive solution: a replacement ECM, part number 12622141, that arrives at your door fully programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We handle the complex part—flashing the module with the latest, most stable GM software—so you can handle the installation. This process ensures seamless communication with your van’s other systems, from the transmission to the anti-theft security, for a true plug-and-play experience.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent No-Start Mystery
I once had a local delivery business bring in their 2008 Express 2500 with a frustrating issue: it would randomly refuse to start. No crank, no click, nothing. All the usual suspects—battery, starter, ignition switch—checked out perfectly. After hours of chasing wires, I hooked up my high-end scanner and noticed the ECM was intermittently dropping offline. It was a classic case of internal module failure, causing a communication breakdown with the BCM and anti-theft system. The fix was a new ECM, but the client couldn’t afford to have their van down for days waiting on dealership programming. A pre-programmed module like this one would have turned a multi-day diagnostic headache into a one-hour repair, saving them time and money.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Red Flags?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that the brain of your engine needs attention:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination
- ✔ Stalling, rough idling, or engine hesitation
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM)
- ✔ Internal module failure codes, like P0601, P0602, or P0606
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
Replacing the 2008 Express 1500 Engine Control Module is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. In the Express Van, the ECM is located in the left-rear of the engine compartment. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow all system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the ECM: Open the hood and find the module in the rear of the engine bay on the driver’s side. It will have several large electrical connectors attached.
- Disconnect the Harnesses: Carefully release the locking tabs on each electrical connector and pull them straight out from the module. Do not force them; they should unclip smoothly.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the mounting hardware that secures the old ECM to its bracket. Set the old module aside.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM onto the bracket and secure it with the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the electrical connectors back into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: In most cases, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes. Consult your owner’s manual or a reliable online resource for the specific procedure for your van.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 12622141, 12612384, and 12617568. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles and configurations. Please verify your specific model and engine to ensure proper fitment.
AURA 08 (RH firewall), 3.5L
CAPRICE 11 ID 12612384
CORVETTE 08-09 (RH engine compartment)
CTS 08 (RH front engine compartment), 3.6L, VIN 7, ID 12612384
EQUINOX 08-09 (LH engine compartment), 3.4L
ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 08 (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08 (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
EXPRESS 2500/3500 VAN 08 (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
G6 08 (LH front engine compartment), 3.5L or 3.9L
HUMMER H2 08 (LH front under battery)
IMPALA 08 (lower air cleaner box), 3.5L or 3.9L
MALIBU 08 Classic & New Style, 3.5L
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08 (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
SAVANA 2500/3500 VAN 08 (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SIERRA 1500/DENALI 08 (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
SIERRA 2500/3500 PICKUP 08 (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
SILVERADO 2500/3500 PICKUP 08 (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SUBURBAN 1500/2500 08 (LH front under battery)
TAHOE 08 (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid
TORRENT 08-09 (LH engine compartment), 3.4L
VUE 08-09 3.5L
YUKON / YUKON XL 1500/2500 08 (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
After you complete your purchase, simply reply to your order confirmation email with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We cannot ship your module until we receive this information, as it is essential for programming.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Yes, this 2008 Express 1500 Engine Control Module is programmed to your VIN before shipping. However, you may need to perform a simple ‘Security Relearn’ or ‘Anti-Theft Relearn’ procedure after installation, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes and requires no special tools.
Will this fix my transmission shifting problems?
In many GM vehicles, the ECM (also called PCM) controls both engine and transmission functions. If your shifting issues are caused by faulty electronic commands from a failing module, then yes, this replacement part will resolve them. It restores the correct communication between the engine and transmission.
Do I need to return my old ECM?
No core charge is required for this module. You can keep your old part or dispose of it responsibly.
What if my part number isn’t an exact match?
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 12612384, 12622141, and 12617568. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list and you have one of these part numbers, this module will work perfectly once programmed to your VIN.