Is your 2016 Chevy Express 3500 Van, the workhorse of your business, suddenly unreliable? If you’re dealing with a frustrating no-start condition, rough idling, poor fuel economy, or a persistent Check Engine Light, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is a very likely culprit. As the central computer of your vehicle, a faulty ECM can cause a cascade of baffling problems, keeping your van off the road and costing you money. Don’t let a complex repair sideline you. This is your direct, effective solution.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install fix. We take the hassle and high cost of dealership programming out of the equation. Before we ship this module, our technicians will program it with the latest GM-certified software, specifically matched to your van’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures that all factory settings for the engine, transmission, and emissions systems are perfectly calibrated for your vehicle. The result is a seamless installation process that restores your van’s original performance and reliability.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 2016 Express 3500 from a local plumbing company that came into my bay with a bizarre issue. The driver reported intermittent stalling at stoplights and a random loss of power on the highway, but with no consistent codes—just a generic U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM) that would pop up and disappear. We checked the wiring harnesses and grounds, which all looked fine. After hours of diagnostics, we decided to monitor the ECM’s internal temperature data. We found that as the engine bay heated up, the processor would start dropping data packets. A replacement, VIN-programmed 2016 Express 3500 Van ECM like this one solved the problem instantly. It’s a classic example of how heat and vibration can degrade these modules over time, causing phantom issues that are tough to pin down without experience.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Red Flags?
A failing ECM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s a strong indicator that your engine’s brain needs attention:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with no obvious cause.
- ✔ Your van won’t start or is very difficult to start.
- ✔ Noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Engine stalling, sputtering, or misfiring.
- ✔ Rough or inconsistent shifting from the automatic transmission.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0100, or internal module codes like P0601, P0603, or P0606.
Simple Swap: Your ECM Installation Guide
Replacing your 2016 Express 3500 Van ECM is a straightforward job that most DIYers or any professional mechanic can complete. Since we handle the programming, you can avoid a trip to the dealer.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the ECM: On the Express/Savana vans, the ECM is typically located in the rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unclip the electrical wiring harnesses from the old module. They have locking tabs, so be gentle to avoid damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old ECM from its mounting bracket. Keep the hardware as you will need it for the new unit.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed ECM onto the bracket and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the wiring harnesses back into the new module until they click securely in place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps: In some cases, a security relearn or Crankshaft Variation (CASE) relearn procedure may be required. This can often be done without special tools. Instructions are widely available, or your mechanic can perform it in minutes.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 12643636, 12668866, 12668994, 12663405, 12670335, 22819494, and 12692200. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
- ✔ Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 & GMC Savana 2500/3500 (2016) with 4.8L or 6.0L engines
- ✔ Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 & GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (2012-2016) with 6.0L engines
- ✔ Chevrolet Suburban 3500 (2016)
- ✔ Chevrolet Cruze (2012-2016) with 1.4L gasoline engines (check specific IDs)
- ✔ Chevrolet Sonic (2012-2016) with 1.4L engines (check specific IDs)
- ✔ Chevrolet Trax (2013-2016) with 1.4L engines
- ✔ Chevrolet Spark (2014-2015) gasoline models
- ✔ Chevrolet Volt (2011-2015)
- ✔ Buick Encore (2013-2016) with 1.4L engines (check specific IDs)
- ✔ Cadillac ELR (2014-2016)
Ordering this 2016 Express 3500 Van ECM is your first step to a reliable repair. Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest, shipping you a part that’s ready to restore your vehicle’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is essential for us to program the ECM with the exact software and calibrations your specific vehicle requires. This ensures proper engine and transmission function, fuel delivery, and emissions compliance, making the installation process as simple as possible.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
For most vehicles, yes. Because we pre-program the module to your VIN, it eliminates the need for dealer programming. However, some GM vehicles may require a simple security relearn or a CASE relearn after installation, which can often be done without special scan tools.
Will this fix my Check Engine Light?
If the Check Engine Light is caused by an internal failure of the ECM (e.g., codes P0601-P0606), then yes, this part will resolve the issue. It’s crucial to ensure the ECM is the root cause and not another sensor or wiring problem.
What if I have a different part number on my old module?
This module replaces several part numbers, including 12668866, 12668994, and others listed in the description. As long as your vehicle model and engine match our fitment list, this programmed module will function correctly as a superseding part.