Restore Peak Performance to Your GM Truck or SUV
Is your Sierra, Silverado, or other GM vehicle acting erratically? Experiencing frustrating issues like random stalling, a persistent check engine light, or a complete no-start condition? As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen these symptoms countless times. More often than not, the culprit is a failing Engine Control Module (ECM)—the central computer that manages everything from fuel delivery and ignition timing to transmission shifts. When it falters, your entire vehicle’s performance and reliability are compromised.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a comprehensive solution. We take a quality-inspected ECM, part number 12674052, and professionally program it with the very latest GM factory software calibrations. We do this specifically for your vehicle using the VIN you provide at checkout. This critical step ensures all systems communicate correctly, restoring the precise performance and efficiency your vehicle had when it left the factory. You get a component that is ready for installation, saving you the significant time and expense of a dealership visit for programming.
A Technician’s Notebook
I remember a 2017 Silverado 1500 that came into my shop on a tow truck. The owner was frustrated—he’d replaced the battery and alternator, but the truck would crank but not start. No fuel pressure, no spark. Generic scan tools were pointing to communication errors (U-codes). After confirming power and ground to the ECM were good, we suspected the module itself. A failing ECM can create a ‘ghost in the machine’ scenario, disrupting the CAN bus network and preventing the fuel pump and ignition systems from getting the signal to activate. Installing a pre-programmed ECM like this one resolved the issue in under an hour, including the security relearn. It’s a textbook example of how a faulty ‘brain’ can shut down a perfectly healthy ‘body’.
Is Your GM Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your engine’s computer needs attention. In my shop, these are the classic symptoms that point directly to a module issue.
- ✔ Vehicle refuses to start or has intermittent starting problems.
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with codes like P0601, P0606, or other internal controller errors.
- ✔ Network communication codes like U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM).
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and noticeable loss of engine power.
- ✔ Rough idling, stalling, or engine hesitation.
- ✔ Harsh or incorrect automatic transmission shifting.
Your Straightforward Installation Roadmap
Replacing the Sierra 1500 Engine Control Module is a manageable job for a confident DIYer or any professional technician. The most complex part—the programming—is already done for you. Follow these general steps for a successful installation.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes for the system to discharge completely.
- Locate the ECM: On most 2016-2018 Sierra and Silverado trucks, the ECM is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side (LH front).
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that must be released. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt your new, pre-programmed ECM into place. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Reconnect the Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Relearn Procedures: This is a critical final step. You will need access to a GM diagnostic tool (like TIS2Web or Techline Connect) to perform the Vehicle Theft Deterrent System (VTDS) relearn. If you don’t do this, the truck will not start. Depending on the vehicle, other procedures like a Crankshaft Position Variation Relearn may also be required for optimal performance.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and interchanges with several part numbers, including 12692068, 12704476, 12686382, 12674472, and 12678815. Please confirm your vehicle is on the list below. Providing your VIN at checkout is essential for us to ensure 100% correct programming.
- ATS 2017: Electronic Control Module; (LH engine compartment), 3.6L, VIN Y (8th digit, opt LF4)
- CORVETTE 2017: Electronic Control Module; (RH cowl under dash)
- CTS 2017: Electronic Control Module; 6.2L (supercharged)
- CTS 2017: Electronic Control Module; 3.6L, VIN 8 (8th digit, opt LF3, twin turbo)
- ESCALADE & ESCALADE ESV 2017: Electronic Control Module; (engine compartment)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 2016: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 12674472
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 2017: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 2018: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 12686382
- SIERRA DENALI 1500 2017-2018: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 2016: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment), ID 12674472
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 2017-2018: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
- SUBURBAN 1500 2017: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
- TAHOE 2017: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
- XTS 2017: Electronic Control Module; (3.6L), VIN 8 (8th digit, opt LF3)
- YUKON & YUKON XL 1500 2017: Electronic Control Module; (LH front engine compartment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, this is absolutely essential. Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) allows us to load the exact, correct software and calibrations specified by GM for your truck’s specific engine, transmission, and options. Without it, the module will not function correctly.
What is the ‘theft relearn’ and can I do it myself?
The Vehicle Theft Deterrent System (VTDS) relearn is a security procedure that syncs the new ECM to your vehicle’s ignition key and body control module. Without this step, the security system will prevent the engine from starting. This procedure requires a professional scan tool with access to GM’s TIS2Web or Techline Connect software. Most independent repair shops have this capability, or you can use a mobile diagnostic service.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
It is ‘plug-in-and-program’. The physical installation is straightforward, and the main software programming is done by us before shipping. However, the final on-vehicle security relearn is a mandatory step that you or your mechanic must perform for the vehicle to operate.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is caused by an internal failure of the original ECM (e.g., codes P0601, P0606), then yes, this part is the correct fix. However, if the light is on due to other issues like a faulty sensor or emissions component, those problems will still need to be diagnosed and repaired separately.
How do I find my current ECM part number?
The part number is printed on a sticker on the case of your existing ECM. You can compare it to the list of compatible part numbers in our description, but the most important thing is to provide your VIN so we can ensure perfect compatibility and programming.