Restore Your Van’s Electrical System and Get Back to Work
Are you chasing electrical gremlins in your Chevy Express or GMC Savana van? Flickering lights, power windows with a mind of their own, a security light that won’t turn off, or a frustrating no-start condition can bring your work to a halt. These aren’t just annoyances; they’re classic symptoms of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the nerve center for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it fails, it can cause a cascade of confusing issues. Stop throwing parts at the problem. This is the reliable, direct-fit solution you need.
We make the repair process simple. Unlike a trip to the dealership, which involves towing fees, diagnostic charges, and expensive programming costs, our BCM arrives at your door ready to install. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our technicians will flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your van. This ensures seamless integration and restores all functions to factory specifications.
A Technician’s Notebook
A customer’s 2011 Express 3500 work van came in last week with a bizarre list of complaints. The driver said the dome lights would stay on, the radio would randomly shut off, and occasionally, the van wouldn’t crank, just a single click. He’d already replaced the battery and checked the alternator. A scan showed a slew of communication error codes pointing to the BCM. These intermittent data bus issues are something I’ve seen hundreds of times. The internal processors on the BCM get weak over time, especially in work vehicles that see a lot of key cycles and vibration. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, performed the quick security relearn, and had him back on the road in under an hour. It’s a textbook fix for a very common problem.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Signs?
A faulty BCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a new module is likely the solution:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights that flicker, stay on, or don’t work at all.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security light is illuminated on the dash.
- ✔ Intermittent no-start or no-crank conditions.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ False warnings on the driver information center (e.g., “Door Ajar”).
- ✔ Communication errors with other modules when using a scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Installation
Replacing the 2008-2012 Express 3500 BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer or professional mechanic. For the Express/Savana, it’s typically located behind the center dash trim.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Access the Module: Carefully remove the necessary dash trim panels to gain access to the BCM. In most Express vans, this involves removing the center console or lower dash sections.
- Disconnect and Remove: Unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all electrical harnesses.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Security Relearn: You will need to perform a simple security relearn procedure. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then off, and repeating two more times. This allows your vehicle’s anti-theft system to recognize the new BCM.
- Critical Final Steps: After installation, two procedures may be required. Use a capable scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ to clear any airbag faults. Additionally, some vehicles require a Brake Pedal Position Sensor recalibration to ensure proper brake light function and stability control performance.
Verified Fitment Across GM Models
This BCM, part number 15828601, is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles and supersedes numerous older part numbers. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. This module fits many popular models including, but not limited to:
AVALANCHE 1500 10
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10
ESCALADE ESV 10
ESCALADE EXT 10
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-12
G8 08-09
HUMMER H2 08-09
IMPALA 06-13
LUCERNE 06-11
MONTE CARLO 06-07
OUTLOOK 07-10
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12
SRX 07-09
STS 10
SUBURBAN 1500 10
TAHOE 10
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10
YUKON XL 1500 10
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. This module replaces part numbers 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15828601, 25892622, and many more. If you are unsure, please contact us with your VIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the Body Control Module do?
The BCM is a computer that manages and controls many of the non-engine related electronic functions in your vehicle. This includes the power windows, locks, lighting, security system, wipers, and horn, among others.
Why do you need my VIN to program the BCM?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allows us to flash the BCM with the precise software and calibrations for your vehicle’s specific options and features. This ensures all systems work correctly right out of the box, just like a new part from the factory.
Will I need a dealer or special tools for any other programming?
No primary programming is needed. Our service handles that. However, after installation, you must perform a simple key-cycle security relearn. Additionally, a capable scan tool is needed for the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ (to clear airbag lights) and potentially a brake pedal sensor relearn for safety systems.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, it’s very manageable. The main challenge is accessing the module, which is usually behind a dash panel. No specialized tools are required for the physical replacement, but a scan tool is recommended for the final safety checks.
Will this fix my intermittent starting problem?
If your starting problem is related to the vehicle’s security system (e.g., a flashing security light on the dash), then replacing the 2008-2012 Express 3500 BCM is very often the correct repair. It communicates with the key and powertrain computer to allow the engine to start.