Restore Peak Performance to Your Cadillac DTS
Is your 2009-2011 Cadillac DTS suffering from frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, rough idling, unexpected stalling, or poor fuel economy? These are classic signs of a failing Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM is the brain of your vehicle’s engine, managing everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting. When it falters, the entire driving experience is compromised. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a serious reliability issue.
This replacement ECM is the definitive solution to get your luxury sedan running smoothly again. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair process. Unlike sourcing a module from a salvage yard, which comes with an unknown history and requires expensive dealership programming, this unit arrives at your door ready for installation. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our technicians will program the module with the latest, most stable software updates directly from GM. This ensures perfect communication with your vehicle’s other systems and restores its original performance and efficiency.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Intermittent DTS Stall
I remember a 2010 DTS that came into my shop. The owner was at his wit’s end. The car would run perfectly for days, then suddenly stall at a stoplight and refuse to restart for 10-15 minutes. Two other shops had replaced sensors to no avail. After hooking up my scan tool and monitoring live data, I noticed that key sensor readings would drop out completely just before the stall. This pointed to the processor, not the sensors themselves. On these Northstar-equipped Cadillacs, the ECM can be susceptible to heat soak. We installed a VIN-programmed module, and the problem was solved permanently. It’s a textbook example of how a failing ECM can mimic other component failures, making accurate diagnosis key.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Engine stalling or cutting out intermittently
- ✔ Rough or unstable idle
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Vehicle won’t start, but the battery and starter are good
- ✔ Stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as P0601 (Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error) or U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM)
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2009-2011 DTS ECM is a manageable job for a DIY enthusiast. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth process.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post to prevent any accidental reconnection.
- Locate the ECM: On the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, the ECM is typically found within the lower part of the air cleaner filter box assembly. You will need to open or remove the airbox lid to access it.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module. They have locking tabs that must be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Seat the new, pre-programmed ECM into the mounting bracket and secure it with the bolts. Reconnect the wiring harness connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Final Steps: Reassemble the air cleaner box. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. In many cases, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure (often called a Passlock or Passkey relearn) to allow the vehicle to start. This procedure can typically be done without special tools and instructions are widely available online or in your vehicle’s service manual.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and is interchangeable with service numbers 12636659, 12639300, 1263605, 12628993, 12628911, 12625453, 12622175, 12630464, and 12678512. Please verify your vehicle is on the list below:
LUCERNE 09-11 (4.6L, lower part of air cleaner box)
Cadillac:
CTS 09 (6.2L, RH front engine compartment)
DTS 09-11
SRX 09 (4.6L, LH engine compartment)
STS 09 (4.4L or 4.6L, LH frame rail)
STS 10 (4.6L, LH frame rail)
XLR 09 (RH front engine compartment)
Chevrolet:
COLORADO 09-12 (2.9L or 3.7L, RH firewall)
CORVETTE 09 (ZR1, RH engine compartment)
TRAILBLAZER 09 (6.0L, LH engine)
GMC:
CANYON 09-12 (2.9L or 3.7L, RH firewall)
ENVOY 09 (5.3L, LH engine)
Hummer:
HUMMER H3 09-10 (3.7L, RH firewall)
Saab:
SAAB 9-7X 09 (LH engine)
Frequently Asked Questions About This ECM
Do I need to do any programming after I receive it?
Do I need to do any programming after I receive it?
No. This module comes fully programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN with the latest GM software. In most cases, the only additional step required is a simple security relearn procedure that you can perform yourself to sync the module with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
How do I provide my VIN?
Simply enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the designated field during the checkout process. We cannot ship the module until we have your VIN to complete the programming.
Is this a guaranteed fix for my check engine light?
If your vehicle’s issues and diagnostic codes (like P0601) point to a failed ECM, this part is the correct solution. However, a check engine light can be caused by many different components. We always recommend a proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic to confirm the ECM is the root cause of the problem before ordering.
Will this 2009-2011 DTS ECM work for other GM vehicles?
Yes, absolutely. This ECM is compatible with a wide array of GM trucks, SUVs, and cars from 2009-2012, as detailed in our ‘Verified Vehicle Compatibility’ list. The specific programming we perform using your VIN makes it a perfect match for any of the listed models.