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ECM module location

Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN VUE
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
I have an 2006 Saturn Vue with the Honda 3.5 v6 it has just under 75,000 on it. I need to replace the ECM module can anybody tell me where the ECM module is located on this engine?And is it easy to remove? I am getting a used one from a 16,000 mile truck that was rolled, will this module once installed have to be reprogrammed by the dealer? Or can a mechanic do it? Any help would be appreciated! Thank you.
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Monday, March 14th, 2016 AT 5:13 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,823 POSTS
Hello. The location of your power-train control module is in the engine compartment, mounted near the right strut tower, beneath the air duct. It will have 2 connectors. After you replace the module, the replacement module will have to be programmed so the information in the new PCM will match your vehicle. (Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery before disconnecting and removing your PCM. Reconnect the cable after the new PCM is installed.) The PCM is number 4 in the picture.
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Monday, March 14th, 2016 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
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Wow! Thanks that was a big help I was looking for it like crazy! I know you say it has to be reprogrammed, but can a mechanic do it? Or does it have to be bought to the dealer? Since you have been so helpful I have just one more question. I need to know the location of the the knock detonation sensor?(Not sure if I am saying it right!) For same truck 2006 Vue with the Honda 3.5 v6 any more help would be appreciated! Thank you Denny.
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Monday, March 14th, 2016 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,823 POSTS
Sorry for the delay. The PCM can be programmed by your local shops if they have the proper programming tool and a subscription to GM programming data. Your best bet is going to be taking it to a GM dealership for the programming. Expect the programming process to take about 30 minutes if there are no issues.
The knock sensor is not so easy to get to. It is located at the top center of the engine, beneath the intake manifold. So, when replacing the knock sensor, be sure to install a new intake manifold gasket.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Denny, do both manifold gaskets have to be replaced? I just checked some listings for this part it shows a set of 2, each one has 3 pear shaped holes in it. Is that the right gasket set? Or is there only one? Can you possibly send me a picture or specs of this gasket? I was on the rock auto site they have a few listings for this and are all the same. It's a 2 piece set with the 3 pear shaped holes in each! Any more help is much appreciated! Thanks Nick
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 5:57 AM
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,823 POSTS
I can't find any good pictures that show the gaskets on the vehicle. However, I did locate the Fel-Pro gasket kit part number. ( MS96409-1) This is the kit with all of the intake manifold, spacer, and plenum gaskets.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
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Denny you have been a fantastic help! Now I know I am pushing it! (Lol), but I have another issue with this truck and maybe you could help! I recently had the timing belt water pump, tensioners the whole kit, replaced in this truck by a mechanic who I have used for years, it seems now that the truck is idling rough and erratic! I bought it back to the mechanic and asked him if it was out of timing he said no, its an interference motor you can't adjust the timing. Is that right? When I start it in the morning to let warm up it Idles rough and seems like it has a miss here and there, you can hear it when you stand next to the tailpipe when it's not idling right. It runs fine when you step on it plenty of power this truck always idled smooth untill the belt was done, could it be something else? I saw on You-Tube a truck with same idle problem and the guy adjusted the lifters and truck seemed fine afterwards. He said its common in these Honda engines that the lifters have to be adjusted is that true? Another angle the ECM is bad I just got stuck with it pulled of the positive cable let it sit, put the cable back on and truck is running but like crap. My main question is could the bad ECM be causing the truck to idle rough? Could the ECM been on the way out? I just had it inspected last month and passed no problem. I also heard I should change the EGR valve and knock sensor. I don't know what to do this truck always idled good now it doesn't I am at my wits end with this truck and it only has 75k on it and everything is new in it. Sorry to drive you crazy man, but you sound like you were once maybe a Saturn or Honda mechanic? Any more help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again Denny! Nick in N.Y.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
DENNYP
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Nick, I don't have any information that says if this is an interference engine. My service information from the manufacturer doesn't make any mention of it. However, it is possible for the timing marks to be off slightly and the vehicle still run. Also, there are valve lash adjusters on this vehicle. There is also an idle learn procedure that must be performed after timing belt replacement or PCM replacement.
Install a scan tool.
2. Diagnose and repair any DTCs before proceeding with this procedure. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for the applicable DTC that set.
3. Ensure that all electrical loads and accessories are OFF.
4. Turn OFF the air conditioning.
5. Ensure that the vehicle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
6. Turn ON the ignition.
7. Clear the DTC information with the scan tool.
8. Wait 5?Seconds and start the engine.
9. Operate the engine with no load at 3,000?RPM until the ECT reaches 90°C (194°F).
Important: If the engine cooling fan turns ON during the idle portion of this procedure, do not include the fan run time in the total idle time.

10. Let the engine idle with the THROTTLE CLOSED and the engine cooling fan OFF, for a total of 5 minutes.
11. The PCM has a new learned idle position.
12. The idle learn procedure is required when the following service procedures have been performed:
The throttle body assembly is replaced
The throttle valve is cleaned†Deposits can build up in the throttle body requiring periodic cleaning of the throttle valve and throttle bore area. Refer to Throttle Body Inspection and Cleaning.
The Clear DTCs function has been performed
The PCM has been programmed.
The PCM is replaced.

Hope this helps.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
  • MEMBER
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Wow great, but I need to know what DTC means and PCM means? I am not a mechanic and yes the throttle body was cleaned. Now the valve lash adjusters does it say anything about them having to be adjusted?
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
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My apologies. DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) This may also be referred to as an ECM(Engine Control Module)
There is no scheduled maintenance for adjusting the valve lash. Typically, you will adjust the valve lash after a repair involving replacing a valve, camshaft, lifter, or cylinder head.
I can tell you from years of experience, internal engine deposits such as carbon can collect on the valves and cause problems which might require valve lash adjustment after cleaning the carbon deposits. These deposits can be reduced by changing your oil and oil filter on a regular basis.(I personally recommend 3,000 to 5,000 miles)Also, using "top tier" fuel like Shell helps alot. GM specifically recommends Shell gas stations.
Considering the repairs your mechanic did, and the mileage on your vehicle, I don't think valve adjustment is needed at this point.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
NICKTHEBEST
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  • 13 POSTS
I know for sure he didn't do any idle learn procedure after the timing belt. Could the bad ECM module have been causing this truck to idle like crap all along? Does the ECM module just go or can it be bad for a while? And truck still runs? Should I also change the EGR valve? The throttle body was also cleaned. Do I have the ECM module put in first program, and go from there? Or do the idle procedure you mentioned first? I know the ECM is bad truck is running but not great. If I put a scanner on it will a code come up fro the bad ECM?
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,823 POSTS
I would try the idle learn procedure first. An ECM can go bad for any reason. It is a printed circuit board with many different circuits and components. One part of it can fail, or everything in the ECM can fail at once.
The ECM should store diagnostic trouble codes for components it controls. Example: if the EGR fails, you may find EGR related trouble codes stored. It is not typical for the EGR or the knock sensor to fail without storing a trouble code in the ECM. When checking for trouble codes, some "do it yourself" scan tools will not retrieve all of the trouble codes. I have run into this in the past. Using the GM TECH 2, Snap-On brand, or MAC TOOLS brand scanner will definitely bring up the codes.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 AT 12:52 PM

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