Programmed 2008 Lucerne Engine Control Module ECM 12602044

Restore Peak Performance to Your Buick Lucerne

If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, poor fuel economy, or unpredictable stalling in your 2008 Buick Lucerne, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is a likely culprit. As the central computer for your engine, its proper function is critical for everything from ignition timing to fuel delivery. This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a comprehensive solution. We provide a reliable ECM, part number 12602044, that comes fully programmed with the latest GM software updates tailored specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This eliminates the need for expensive dealership programming, saving you time and money.

A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent No-Start Puzzle

A 2008 Lucerne came into my bay with a ghost of a problem. The owner said it would randomly refuse to start, but after a few tries, it would fire up and run perfectly for days. No consistent check engine light, just a history code for loss of communication (U0100). We checked grounds, wiring, and the ignition switch—all solid. Experience pointed to the ECM. On these GM platforms, I’ve seen internal solder joints in the ECM crack from heat cycles, causing these exact intermittent connection issues. We installed a pre-programmed ECM, performed the security relearn, and the problem vanished. It’s a classic case where swapping the part is the only definitive fix.

Is Your Buick Exhibiting These ECM Failure Signs?

A faulty ECM can manifest in various ways, often mimicking other sensor failures. Before you start replacing parts unnecessarily, see if your vehicle is showing these common symptoms of a failing computer. A proper diagnosis is key, but these are strong indicators.

✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with codes like P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error), P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor Fault), or U-series communication codes.
✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start, or starts only intermittently.
✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
✔ Rough or unstable idling and frequent stalling.
✔ The vehicle enters a reduced power or “limp” mode.
✔ Automatic transmission shifts harshly or at the wrong times.
✔ Failure to pass an emissions inspection.

Your Straightforward ECM Installation Guide

Installing your programmed 2008 Lucerne Engine Control Module is a manageable task for a confident DIYer. For the 2008 Lucerne with the 4.6L engine, the ECM is conveniently located in the lower part of the air cleaner box assembly.

Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 15 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
Locate the ECM: Open the hood and find the air cleaner housing. You will likely need to remove the top portion of the air filter box to access the module underneath.
Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors from the old ECM. These connectors have locking tabs; be gentle to avoid damaging them.
Remove Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will need it for the new installation.
Install New Module: Mount the new, programmed ECM in place and secure it with the original hardware. Reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
Perform Security Relearn: Your vehicle may require a simple security relearn procedure to recognize the new ECM. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times before starting the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific procedure for your vehicle.

Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle

This ECM is a direct fit for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your specific model and engine options below. This module is interchangeable with service numbers: 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, 19210737.

This part will fit these makes and models with these options

ALLURE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (lower air cleaner housing), 5.3L; 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