How Do I Match My Part Number?
Posted by Kirk Messinger on
What Does A Part Number Really Mean?
Regardless of a replacement unit looking similar to your original unit, matching your part number is important. Your part number on your replacement unit must match the original unit in your vehicle. There are many different variations of part numbers, this post serves as a helpful guide to ensure that the item purchased is the correct replacement to avoid a delay with getting you the correct unit and getting back on the road without any issues.
Why Match My Part Number If A Unit Looks Similar and Is Cheaper?
Without matching your original unit part number, the replacement unit may have different software, this tells the unit how to behave in a specific vehicle. Different internal circuits, one unit may have a circuit for fog lights in place of another unit that may use that circuit for transmission control. Installing the incorrect part number will cause your vehicle to set random codes and not operate properly and the issue cannot be corrected without installing the correct unit
If your ECU looks like the above ECU, you will need to look in the circled area to get your correct part number. In this case, the part number is P68043481AG, you would need to match 68043481, the letters at the end interchange.
If your ECU looks like this ECU, your part number will be in the circled area on the opposite side of the connectors. With this ECU, the part number is 68090870, the letters at the end interchange; you only need to match the numbers.
If your TIPM looks like the above TIPM, your part number is located on a sticker that says, "Continental TEMIC" and will be 8 numbers with 2 letters at the end. The only thing that you need to match are the numbers, the letters interchange. This sticker is often located along the back, flat side of the TIPM or along the side of the vertial section, near the power connection to the TIPM.
For Any Ford ECU's, you will want to contact us with your part number with 12A650 in the middle. While the sticker may appear different as some are locating in different sections of the ECU, the part number will always have 12A650 in the middle.
If your ECU has a part number similar to the above image, you will want to match BOTH of the circled areas. You will need to match both your part number AND service number. Without matching both numbers, the ECU will not function properly in the vehicle. Please keep in mind, while it is rare, if you get a P0513 you will need a locksmith to program a code into your vehicle, this is not a service that we offer. Typically this will be for an 2009 and newer Acadia, Impala, Equinox, Silverado, Trailblazer, Traverse.
For GM ABS Modules, if looking at the module as an "L" the part number sticker will be on the top of the "L" and will look like the image above. These units are often series specific. If you are unsure when purchasing, please reach out to us with an image of your part number stick. If you have Z65 on the part number sticker, you do also need to match that as well.