Restore Your Van’s Brainpower and Performance
If your 2008 Savana 1500 Van is giving you headaches with unpredictable stalling, a persistent check engine light, or a frustrating no-start condition, the problem often lies with a failing Engine Control Module (ECM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty ECM can cripple a perfectly good workhorse. It’s the central computer of your vehicle, managing everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting. When it fails, your van’s reliability disappears.
This isn’t just another part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the hassle and high cost of dealership programming out of the equation. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our experts will flash this module with the latest, most stable GM software specific to your van. This ensures that when the part arrives, it’s a true plug-and-play fix, designed to restore the performance and dependability you rely on every day.
Case Study: The Intermittent No-Start Savana
I remember a commercial plumber’s 2008 Savana that came into my bay with a maddeningly intermittent no-start issue. It would run perfectly for days, then refuse to start, leaving him stranded at a job site. The van wasn’t storing any consistent trouble codes, just a few random communication errors. We checked the usual suspects—battery, starter, grounds, fuel pressure—and everything seemed fine. The issue was heat-related. On hot days, after a long drive, the internal processors of the original ECM would fail. Once it cooled down, it worked again. We replaced it with a pre-programmed 2008 Savana 1500 Engine Control Module just like this one. The problem vanished instantly, and the van has been a reliable work tool ever since. This simple swap saved the owner from lost income and diagnostic dead ends.
Is Your Savana Van Showing These ECM Failure Signs?
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with internal processor codes (e.g., P0601, P0606)
- ✔ Loss of communication codes (U-series codes)
- ✔ Poor or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Noticeable drop in fuel economy
- ✔ Rough or unstable idle
- ✔ Misfires or hesitation under acceleration
Your Straightforward ECM Installation Guide
Replacing the ECM on your Savana is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. Here’s a general guide to get you started:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent accidental reconnection.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2008 Savana Van, the Engine Control Module is typically found in the engine compartment, on the driver’s side towards the rear (near the firewall).
- Disconnect the Harnesses: The ECM has several large electrical connectors. Carefully release the locking tabs or levers on each connector and pull them straight off the module. Never force them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware, as you may need to reuse it.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM securely onto the bracket. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click firmly into place and the locking tabs are engaged.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten it securely.
- Perform Security Relearn: A simple key-cycle security relearn is often required. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (without starting the engine) for 10-15 minutes. Turn it off for 10 seconds, then repeat two more times. After the third cycle, the vehicle should start and run normally.
Verified Fitment for a Wide Range of GM Vehicles
This module, part number 12617568, is a direct replacement for original part numbers 12612384, 12622141, and 12617568. It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles and configurations:
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SUBURBAN 1500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
AVALANCHE 1500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 2500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
TORRENT 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.4L
VUE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; 3.5L
AURA 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.5L
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
CTS 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), (3.6L), VIN 7 (8th digit), ID 12612384
CAPRICE 11 Electronic Control Module; ID 12612384
SIERRA DENALI 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
ESCALADE EXT 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.5L
HUMMER H2 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; classic style (emblem in grille), 3.5L
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
CORVETTE 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment)
CORVETTE 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), Z06
IMPALA 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
YUKON 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
YUKON XL 2500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.9L
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
TAHOE 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 3.5L
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
ESCALADE ESV 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
IMPALA 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L
YUKON XL 1500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this module programmed by a dealer?
No. This module comes fully programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN before we ship it. It is ready for installation right out of the box, saving you time and the expense of a dealership visit.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your VIN. You can also add your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN to the ‘notes’ section during checkout.
Will I need to perform any other procedures after installation?
In most cases, you will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure, also known as a Passlock or anti-theft relearn. This typically involves cycling the ignition key and can be done in your driveway without any special tools.
Where is the ECM located on my 2008 Savana Van?
The Engine Control Module is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the firewall.
Is this a reliable, long-term fix?
Absolutely. We use high-quality components and the latest GM-certified software to ensure this module meets or exceeds original equipment standards for performance and longevity. It’s the definitive solution to your ECM-related problems.