Restore Peak Performance to Your Buick Lucerne
Is your 2009-2011 Buick Lucerne suffering from frustrating issues like a persistent check engine light, unexplained stalling, rough idling, or a complete no-start condition? These are classic signs of a failing Engine Control Module (ECM). As the brain of your vehicle’s engine, a faulty ECM can disrupt everything from fuel delivery and ignition timing to transmission shifting, leaving you with an unreliable and inefficient car. Don’t let a bad computer keep you off the road or lead to expensive, incorrect repairs.
This is a direct-fit replacement 2009-2011 Lucerne Engine Control Module, the central command unit your vehicle needs to run correctly. The biggest challenge with replacing an ECM has always been the expensive and time-consuming programming required at a dealership. We solve that problem for you. Before we ship this module, our experienced technicians will program it with the latest official GM software updates, tailored specifically to your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means it arrives at your door ready for a straightforward installation, saving you hundreds in dealer programming fees.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 2010 Lucerne 4.6L that came into my shop with a complaint of intermittent stalling at stoplights and a check engine light that would come and go. The owner had already replaced the throttle body and a couple of sensors with no luck. The scan tool showed a P0606 (ECM/PCM Processor Fault) code, but it was intermittent. After verifying all power and ground connections to the ECM were solid—a critical first step—we knew the internal processor was the culprit. Heat soak was causing internal components to fail, but only after 20 minutes of driving. We installed a VIN-programmed module just like this one, and the car ran perfectly. It’s a textbook example of how a failing 2009-2011 Lucerne Engine Control Module can mimic other, more common failures.
Is Your Lucerne Exhibiting These Telltale Signs?
A failing ECM can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your engine computer is a likely suspect:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL)
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P0601, P0606, or U0100
- ✔ Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- ✔ Complete no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel economy
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Failure to pass state emissions testing
- ✔ Communication errors with diagnostic scan tools
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your pre-programmed module is a job most DIYers can handle. For the 2009-2011 Buick Lucerne with the 4.6L V8, the ECM is conveniently located in the lower part of the air cleaner box assembly.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and secure it away from the post.
- Access the Module: Locate and open the air cleaner housing. You will likely need to remove the air filter to gain clear access to the ECM mounted below it.
- Disconnect Wiring: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old ECM. There are typically release tabs that need to be depressed or lifted. Never pull on the wires themselves.
- Remove the Old ECM: Unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket within the air cleaner box.
- Install the New ECM: Mount your new, pre-programmed module in place and securely tighten the bolts.
- Reconnect Wiring: Plug the wiring harnesses firmly into the new module. You should hear or feel a click as they lock into place.
- Reassemble & Reconnect: Reinstall the air filter and close the air cleaner box. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Step: Some vehicles may require a security relearn procedure, which can often be done without special tools. A common method is to turn the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeat two more times before starting the engine.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a guaranteed fit for the 2009-2011 Buick Lucerne with the 4.6L engine. It is also a direct replacement for a wide range of other GM vehicles and is interchangeable with the following service part numbers: 12636659, 12639300, 1263605, 12628993, 12628911, 12625453, 12622175, 12630464, and 12678512. Please see the detailed list below:
- BUICK LUCERNE 09-11 (lower part of air cleaner box), 4.6L
- CADILLAC CTS 09 (RH front engine compartment), 6.2L
- CADILLAC DTS 09-11
- CADILLAC SRX 09 (LH engine compartment), 4.6L
- CADILLAC STS 09 (LH frame rail), 4.4L & 4.6L
- CADILLAC STS 10 (LH frame rail), 4.6L
- CADILLAC XLR 09 (RH front engine compartment)
- CHEVROLET COLORADO 09-12 (RH firewall), 2.9L & 3.7L
- CHEVROLET CORVETTE 09 (RH engine compartment), ZR1
- CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 09 (LH engine), 6.0L
- GMC CANYON 09-12 (RH firewall), 2.9L & 3.7L
- GMC ENVOY 09 (LH engine), 5.3L
- HUMMER H3 09-10 (RH firewall)
- SAAB 9-7X 09 (LH engine)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VIN programming work?
After you place your order, you simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians use this number to load the exact, factory-correct software and the latest GM updates onto the module before it ships.
Is this part difficult to install?
No, this is a plug-and-play solution. Because the programming is done beforehand, installation involves basic hand tools to disconnect the old module and connect the new one. No special electronic tools are required for the installation itself.
Will I need to do anything else after installation?
In most cases, no. You can simply install it and start the vehicle. Some GM vehicles may require a simple key-cycle security relearn procedure, which does not require a scan tool and instructions can be easily found online or in your owner’s manual.
Is this a new or used part?
This is a high-quality, tested, and verified used component that has been inspected for full functionality and programmed with the latest software for your vehicle, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution.
What if I have a different part number on my original module?
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 12636659, 12628993, and others listed in the compatibility section. As long as your vehicle is on the fitment list, this module will work correctly once programmed to your VIN.