Restore Your Suburban’s Brain and Get Back on the Road
Is your 2015 or 2016 Suburban 1500 running rough, stalling unexpectedly, or flashing a persistent Check Engine Light? You’re not just dealing with an annoyance; you’re likely facing a failing Engine Control Module (ECM), the central computer of your vehicle. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty ECM can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems. It controls everything from fuel mixture and ignition timing to transmission shifting and emissions systems. When it fails, your reliable SUV can become unpredictable.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation. This genuine GM Engine Control Module, part number 12673195, arrives at your door pre-programmed with the latest official GM software updates, specifically matched to your vehicle’s VIN. This critical step ensures all systems communicate correctly, restoring the performance and fuel efficiency you expect from your Suburban. Forget about towing your vehicle to a dealer and paying extra for programming—this 2015-2016 Suburban ECM is prepared for a straightforward installation right out of the box.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2015 Suburban that would randomly stall, but only after driving for 30+ minutes on a hot day. No consistent codes were stored, just a few random communication errors. We checked fuel pressure, sensors, and wiring—everything looked perfect. On a hunch, I used a heat gun to carefully warm the ECM while the engine was running in the bay. Within minutes, the engine sputtered and died. The ECM’s internal processor was failing under thermal stress, a common issue I’ve seen dozens of times. Replacing it with a properly programmed module solved the problem permanently. This is why a quality-tested and correctly programmed ECM is non-negotiable for a lasting repair.
Is Your Suburban Showing These Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution:
- ✔ Unexplained Check Engine Light with codes like P0601, P0606 (Internal Control Module Processor Error) or U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM).
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or running rough for no apparent reason.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The vehicle cranks but refuses to start (no-start condition).
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting.
- ✔ Issues with other modules, like the instrument cluster or anti-lock brakes, due to communication failures.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2015-2016 Suburban ECM is a job most DIYers can handle with basic tools. Following these steps ensures a smooth process.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes for the system capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2015-2016 Suburban, the ECM is located in the front of the engine compartment on the driver’s side (LH side), typically near the air filter housing.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical wiring harness connectors and pull them straight out from the module. Never force them. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. There are usually a few 10mm bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM onto the bracket and secure the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Firmly plug the wiring harness connectors back into the new ECM until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps: Some vehicles require a security relearn procedure, which can often be done without a scan tool (instructions are widely available online or in your owner’s manual). Once complete, start the engine and verify that the Check Engine Light is off and the vehicle is running smoothly.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 12673195 and is interchangeable with several other GM part numbers, including 12692067, 12676230, 12656993, and more. While this listing is focused on the 2015-2016 Suburban ECM, it also fits a wide range of other GM vehicles. Please confirm your vehicle is on the list below to ensure proper fitment:
- ✔ Suburban 1500: 2015-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Tahoe: 2015-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Silverado 1500 Pickup: 2014-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Sierra 1500 / Denali 1500: 2014-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Yukon / Yukon XL 1500: 2015-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Escalade / Escalade ESV: 2015-2016 (LH front engine compartment)
- ✔ Corvette: 2014-2016 (RH cowl under dash)
- ✔ Camaro: 2016 (6.2L)
- ✔ CTS: 2014-2016 (3.6L & 6.2L)
- ✔ ATS: 2014-2016 (3.6L)
- ✔ XTS: 2014-2016 (3.6L, LF3)
- ✔ Colorado / Canyon: 2015-2016 (3.6L, RH firewall)