Restore Your Truck’s Brain and End Electrical Frustrations
If your 2010 Chevy Avalanche 1500 is plagued by bizarre electrical issues like flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, a dead instrument cluster, or even a no-start condition, the Body Control Module (BCM) is the most likely culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how a failing BCM can turn a reliable truck into a source of constant headaches. It’s the central nervous system for all your vehicle’s comfort and convenience features, and when it fails, chaos ensues.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, hassle-free solution. We take the guesswork and expensive dealership trips out of the equation. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) after purchase, and we will flash this BCM with the latest, most stable software directly from GM. It will arrive at your door ready to install, specifically configured for the options and features of your Avalanche.
A Technician’s Notebook
A customer’s 2010 Tahoe (which uses the same platform as the Avalanche) came into my bay last month with a truly confusing set of symptoms. The radio would turn on by itself, the door locks would cycle randomly while driving, and the security light was always on, causing intermittent starting problems. The owner had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After hooking up my diagnostic scanner, I saw multiple communication error codes pointing to the BCM. A failing internal processor was sending garbage data across the network. We installed one of these pre-programmed BCMs, performed the quick post-install procedures, and the truck’s electrical gremlins were gone for good. This is a fix I trust in my own shop.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors working intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ The security system light stays on, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ The instrument panel gauges behave erratically or go completely dead.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to U-codes (communication) or B-codes (body).
- ✔ A/C and climate control functions are unresponsive.
A Straightforward Guide to BCM Installation
Replacing the 2010 Avalanche 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. On this model, it’s typically located under the steering column, behind the driver’s side lower dash panel.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to allow all modules to power down completely.
- Access the Module: Remove the lower dash panel beneath the steering wheel. It’s usually held in by a few screws and clips.
- Locate the BCM: Identify the old BCM. It will have several large multi-pin electrical connectors attached to it.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Critical Post-Installation Steps: Reconnect the battery. You MUST now perform a couple of procedures. First, use a capable diagnostic scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ to clear the airbag light. Second, a ‘Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration’ may be required to ensure proper brake light and stability control function.
Verified Fitment for a Wide Range of GM Vehicles
While this is a perfect solution for the 2010 Avalanche 1500 BCM, this module is compatible with a vast array of General Motors cars, trucks, and vans. Please verify your part number or vehicle in the list below. This module directly replaces the following part numbers: 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15299986, 15819552, 15828601, 15837419, 15872388, 15872421, 15880684, 15921352, 15921353, 15948438, 15948439, 20815898, 20839063, 20864767, 20864768, 20921435, 20921436, 20935349, 22860591, 25826124, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, 95151084.
AVALANCHE 1500 10 (ID 25892622)
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
ESCALADE ESV 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
ESCALADE EXT 10 (ID 25892622)
EXPRESS VANS 08-12
G8 08-09
HUMMER H2 08-09
IMPALA 06-13
LUCERNE 06-11
MONTE CARLO 06-07
OUTLOOK 07-10
SAVANA VANS 08-12
SRX 07-09
STS 10
SUBURBAN 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
TAHOE 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
YUKON XL 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. The main benefit of our service is that we program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before we ship it. This saves you the time, cost, and hassle of a dealership visit for programming.
Where do I find my VIN?
Your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a small plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Why is my airbag light on after installing the new BCM?
This is normal. The BCM and the airbag system (SDM) need to be electronically ‘introduced’ to each other. This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a bidirectional scan tool. Many independent shops can perform this, or it’s a good task for an advanced DIYer with the right tool.
Is this a plug-and-play installation?
It is ‘plug-and-program-play’. The physical installation is simple plug-in, and we handle the main programming. However, as noted, you will need to perform the final security/airbag key setup and potentially a brake pedal calibration to complete the process and ensure all systems work correctly and safely.
What if I order the wrong part?
We strongly encourage you to match your old part number to the list provided or confirm your vehicle’s make, model, and year in our fitment list. Providing your VIN for programming is the best way to guarantee you receive the correct, compatible module for your exact vehicle build.