Restore Peak Performance to Your 2008 Saturn Outlook
If your Saturn Outlook is suffering from frustrating issues like stalling, erratic idling, a persistent check engine light, or a no-start condition, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is very often the culprit. As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen how a faulty ECM can create a cascade of problems that seem unrelated. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central computer of your vehicle, and when it fails, your vehicle’s reliability and performance fail with it. This replacement 2008 Outlook Engine Module is the definitive solution, arriving at your door pre-programmed with the latest GM software specifically for your vehicle.
From the Diagnostic Bay
I remember a 2008 GMC Acadia (a sister vehicle to the Outlook) that came into the shop with a list of complaints from the owner: intermittent stalling at red lights, hard shifting, and the check engine light was on. The codes were all over the place—a few communication errors (U-codes) and a P0606 for an internal processor fault. The owner had already replaced a couple of sensors with no luck. After verifying the wiring and power/ground circuits to the ECM were solid, we knew the module itself was the issue. Swapping in a pre-programmed ECM like this one resolved every single symptom instantly. The vehicle ran smoother than it had in years, simply because its ‘brain’ was functioning correctly with updated software.
Is Your Vehicle’s Brain Showing These Symptoms?
A failing ECM can manifest in numerous ways. Before you spend money on other parts, see if your vehicle is exhibiting any of these classic signs of ECM failure:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is illuminated with codes like P0601, P0602, P0606, or U0100.
- ✔ Vehicle cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Severe drop in fuel efficiency for no apparent reason.
- ✔ Rough or unstable engine idle.
- ✔ Engine stalling or hesitating during acceleration.
- ✔ Automatic transmission shifts harshly or at the wrong times.
- ✔ Apparent loss of power.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
One of the biggest benefits of this module is the simple installation process. Because we program it to your VIN before shipping, you can avoid a costly trip to the dealership. For a 2008 Saturn Outlook, the ECM is located behind the cooling fan shroud.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the systems to fully discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the Outlook, you’ll find the module mounted behind the radiator cooling fan assembly. You may need to move the fan shroud for clear access.
- Disconnect the Old Module: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out. Unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new ECM into place. Firmly reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click and lock securely.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: Your vehicle’s anti-theft system needs to recognize the new ECM. This is a simple procedure you can do yourself: Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-12 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle three times. On the fourth try, the vehicle should start and run normally.
Verified Fitment Across the GM Family
This ECM, service part number 12602044, is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. It is fully interchangeable with service numbers 12590032, 12603530, 12605843, 12607096, 12630457, and 19210737. Please confirm your 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take this part to a dealer for programming?
No. We handle all the programming for you before we ship the part. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and we will flash the module with the latest official GM software for your specific vehicle.
What is a ‘security relearn’ and is it difficult?
It’s a very simple procedure required by your vehicle’s anti-theft system. It involves a sequence of turning the key on and off, as detailed in our installation guide. No special tools are needed, and it typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.
How do I give you my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to send us your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We will provide clear instructions on how to do this. We cannot ship your order until we receive your VIN.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by a faulty ECM (with codes like P0601, P0606, etc.), then yes, this part will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to have a proper diagnosis to confirm the ECM is the root cause before ordering.