Is Your Buick Lucerne Acting Up? Restore its Performance and Reliability.
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, poor fuel economy, stalling, or a no-start condition in your 2008 Buick Lucerne, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is a very likely culprit. As the central computer for your vehicle’s engine, a faulty ECM can cause a wide range of baffling issues that can make your car unreliable and unsafe. In my 20+ years of diagnostic work, I’ve seen how a compromised ECM can mimic dozens of other problems, leading to wasted time and money on incorrect repairs.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We provide a high-quality, dependable 2008 Lucerne Engine Module that is professionally programmed to your car’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures that the module communicates perfectly with your vehicle’s existing systems, just like the original. We install the latest GM-certified software updates, which can often resolve performance and drivability issues that were present even before your original module failed. Get back on the road with confidence, knowing the brain of your engine is functioning flawlessly.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2008 Buick Lucerne with the 4.6L V8. The complaint was intermittent stalling at stoplights and a persistent P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) code that would return days after being cleared. They had already replaced the spark plugs and a coil pack with no success. After verifying power and ground to the ECM, it was clear the module’s internal processor was failing. We swapped in a VIN-programmed 2008 Lucerne Engine Module like this one. The entire job, including the security relearn, took less than an hour in the bay. The stalling vanished, the code never returned, and the customer drove away with a smooth, reliable car.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light illumination
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- ✔ Complete no-start or hard-starting condition
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel mileage
- ✔ Rough or erratic idling and acceleration
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0100 or P0601
- ✔ Transmission shifting problems or harsh shifts
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- ✔ Locate the ECM: On the 2008 Lucerne, the Engine Control Module is typically located in the engine bay, underneath the lower part of the air cleaner box assembly.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the electrical wiring harnesses from the old module. These connectors have locking tabs that must be released before pulling.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware, as you may need it for the new installation.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- ✔ Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten it.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn: You will need to perform a security relearn procedure (often called a ‘key-on’ procedure) to sync the new ECM with your car’s anti-theft system. 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 exact steps for your vehicle.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This ECM is a direct fit for a wide range of GM vehicles and is interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12602044, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. Please verify your specific model and options below.
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
How does the VIN programming work?
After you place your order, you will need to provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians use this number to flash the module with the exact software and calibration files for your car, ensuring it works correctly right out of the box.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to install?
No, this is a very manageable job for a DIY enthusiast with basic hand tools. The main steps are disconnecting the battery, swapping the module, and performing the security relearn procedure. Our installation guide above provides a clear overview.
Will I need to take my car to a dealer after installation?
No. Because we program the module to your VIN before shipping, you will not need a dealer’s expensive scan tool for programming. The only post-installation step is the simple security relearn, which you can do yourself.
What happens if I don’t provide my VIN?
We cannot ship the module until we receive your VIN. The programming is essential for the part to function in your vehicle. We will contact you after your purchase to get this information.
Does this part come with a warranty?
Yes, all of our modules are backed by a warranty against defects. We stand behind the quality of our parts and programming service, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.