Restore Your Truck’s Performance and Reliability
If you’re dealing with a frustrating check engine light, poor fuel economy, or a no-start condition in your 2016-2018 Silverado 1500, a failing Engine Control Module (ECM) is often the culprit. As an automotive technician with over two decades of diagnostic experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty ECM—the ‘brain’ of your vehicle’s engine—can cause a cascade of confusing problems. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central command center for your engine’s performance, and when it fails, your truck simply won’t run right. This replacement ECM is your direct, reliable solution to get back on the road with confidence.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the replacement process. Before this module ever leaves our facility, we program it with the latest official GM software updates, tailored specifically to your truck using the VIN you provide. This critical step ensures seamless communication with your vehicle’s other systems, restoring the precise fuel delivery, ignition timing, and emissions control that your engine needs to operate at its peak. This is the same level of precision you’d expect from a dealership, but without the high cost and scheduling delays.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent No-Start
A 2017 Silverado 1500 was towed into my bay with a complaint that stumped two other shops: it would intermittently refuse to start, but only after being driven for over an hour on a hot day. It threw no consistent codes, just a generic U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM) every now and then. We checked grounds, wiring harnesses, and power feeds—all perfect. On a hunch, I used a heat gun to carefully warm up the factory ECM. Within minutes, the truck refused to start and the scanner lost all communication with the module. The internal processor was failing under thermal stress. We installed a VIN-programmed module just like this one, performed the security relearn, and the truck has run flawlessly ever since. These intermittent issues are often the hardest to pinpoint, and a quality replacement ECM is the definitive fix.
Is Your Silverado Showing These ECM Failure Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your engine’s computer needs attention:
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light (CEL) that won’t clear
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to internal processor failure, such as P0601, P0606, or P062F
- ✔ Communication error codes like U0100, indicating the ECM isn’t talking to other modules
- ✔ Unexplained drop in fuel economy
- ✔ Engine stalling, stumbling, or misfiring
- ✔ Harsh or erratic automatic transmission shifting
- ✔ Complete no-start or crank-no-start condition
Your Straightforward ECM Installation Guide
Replacing the ECM is a manageable job for a seasoned DIYer or any professional technician. The key is the post-installation procedures. This 2016-2018 Silverado ECM is designed for a direct fit.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Locate and Remove: The ECM on the Silverado is typically located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. Carefully disconnect the electrical connectors (they have locking tabs) and unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New ECM: Mount the new, pre-programmed ECM in the same location. Securely reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Steps & Relearn: This is the most important step. The vehicle will NOT start until a Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) relearn is performed. This requires a professional scan tool with access to GM’s TIS2Web or Techline Connect system. Other procedures like a Crankshaft Position Variation relearn may also be necessary to ensure optimal performance and clear any related codes.
Verified Fitment For Your GM Vehicle
This module, part number 12674052, is a direct replacement for several GM part numbers and fits a wide range of vehicles. Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN to confirm compatibility. This part is interchangeable with: 12692068, 12704476, 12686382, 12674472, 12678815.
- ATS: 2017 (3.6L, VIN Y)
- Corvette: 2017
- CTS: 2017 (6.2L Supercharged or 3.6L Twin Turbo)
- Escalade / Escalade ESV: 2017
- Sierra 1500 / Denali 1500: 2016, 2017, 2018
- Silverado 1500 Pickup: 2016, 2017, 2018
- Suburban 1500: 2017
- Tahoe: 2017
- XTS: 2017 (3.6L, VIN 8)
- Yukon / Yukon XL 1500: 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send my old ECM back?
No core charge is required for this part. You can keep or recycle your old module without needing to return it to us.
What information do you need from me?
After you place your order, we require your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is essential for us to load the correct GM-certified software and calibrations for your specific vehicle configuration.
Will my truck start immediately after installation?
No. Due to the factory anti-theft system, the vehicle will be immobilized until a Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) relearn procedure is completed. This requires a tool with access to GM’s programming software, such as TIS2Web or Techline Connect, and is the responsibility of the installer.
What other relearn procedures might be needed?
Depending on your vehicle’s condition and any stored trouble codes, you may need to perform additional setup procedures. The most common is the Crankshaft Position Variation relearn (CASE relearn), which is necessary for accurate misfire detection. Injector flow rate programming may also be required on certain models.
Is this a guaranteed fix for my check engine light?
This part will resolve issues directly caused by a faulty ECM, including internal processor and communication faults. However, it’s crucial to have a proper diagnosis performed first. This module will not fix problems caused by other failed components like sensors, wiring, or mechanical issues. A correct diagnosis is key to a successful repair.