Restore Your Vehicle’s Performance and Reliability
Is your vehicle suffering from frustrating issues like stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent Check Engine Light, or a no-start condition? The Engine Control Module (ECM), the electronic brain of your vehicle, is often the culprit. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of problems that are difficult to diagnose. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of reliability and safety. This replacement ECM is the dependable, straightforward solution to get your vehicle running smoothly again.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Unlike a generic module from a salvage yard, this unit comes professionally programmed with the latest official GM software updates tailored specifically to your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programming and no need for specialized tools. It’s a direct-fit, plug-and-play solution designed to restore factory performance and efficiency.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Ghost in the Machine
I once had a 2008 Sierra 2500 in my bay with a 6.0L that was driving the owner crazy. It had random misfires on multiple cylinders, but only when warm. The owner had already replaced plugs, wires, and even a coil pack with no success. The scan tool showed communication codes (U0100) that would come and go. After hours of checking wiring harnesses and grounds, we tested the ECM. We found the processor was failing under heat, causing it to drop communication with other modules and send faulty commands to the ignition system. Swapping in a pre-programmed ECM like this one solved the problem in under 30 minutes. It’s a classic example of how a failing ECM can mimic a dozen other issues, and why a reliable, correctly programmed module is the only true fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or other internal processor faults.
- ✔ Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel economy.
- ✔ Stalling, stumbling, or hesitation during acceleration.
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Loss of communication with the scan tool or other modules (U-codes).
- ✔ Intermittent issues that seem to have no logical cause.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before beginning work.
- ✔ Locate the ECM: The location varies by model (see fitment list below). It’s typically in the engine compartment, often near the battery, firewall, or air filter box.
- ✔ Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug the wiring harness connectors from the old module. Most have a locking tab or lever that needs to be released first. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed ECM into place. Reconnect the wiring harness connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- ✔ Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Security Relearn: In many GM vehicles, a simple security relearn procedure is required. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. This allows the new ECM to sync with your vehicle’s anti-theft system. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific procedure for your model.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 12612384, 12622141, and 12617568. It is guaranteed to fit the following makes and models with the specified options:
AURA 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH firewall), 3.5L
CAPRICE 11 Electronic Control Module; ID 12612384
CTS 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH front engine compartment), (3.6L), VIN 7 (8th digit), ID 12612384
CORVETTE 08 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment)
CORVETTE 09 Electronic Control Module; (RH engine compartment), Z06
EQUINOX 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.4L
ESCALADE 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE ESV 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
ESCALADE EXT 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.5L
G6 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), 3.9L
HUMMER H2 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
IMPALA 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.5L
IMPALA 08 Electronic Control Module; (lower part of air cleaner box), 3.9L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; classic style (emblem in grille), 3.5L
MALIBU 08 Electronic Control Module; new style (emblem in bumper cover), 3.5L
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), 5.3L
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH rear engine compartment), gasoline
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
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SIERRA DENALI 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o 4.3L
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), 6.0L
SUBURBAN 1500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
SUBURBAN 2500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
TAHOE 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option
TORRENT 08-09 Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.4L
VUE 08-09 Electronic Control Module; 3.5L
YUKON 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery), w/o hybrid option
YUKON XL 1500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
YUKON XL 2500 08 Electronic Control Module; (LH front under battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN programming mean?
It means we load the exact, factory-specified software for your vehicle onto the module before we ship it. This ensures the ECM works perfectly with your engine, transmission, and options, just like a new part from the dealer.
Do I need to do anything else after installation?
After physical installation, you will likely need to perform a simple ‘security relearn’ procedure. This syncs the new module to your vehicle’s anti-theft system and can usually be done at home without any special tools in about 30 minutes.
How do I provide my VIN?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your part until we receive this information.
Is this part new or used?
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 repair.
Will this fix my Check Engine Light?
If the Check Engine Light is caused by an internal failure of the original ECM (common codes P0601-P0606), this module will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to ensure your vehicle’s problem has been properly diagnosed as a faulty ECM.