Restore Your Van’s Electrical Brain and Get Back on the Road
If your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 1500 is acting possessed—with flickering lights, erratic gauges, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security system that won’t cooperate—you’re likely dealing with a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how a faulty BCM can turn a reliable workhorse into a source of constant frustration. It’s the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it goes, it can trigger a cascade of confusing problems.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation. Each 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is professionally programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ships. This means it arrives loaded with the latest GM software updates, ready for a straightforward installation. You get a reliable, fully functional module without the need for an expensive trip to the dealer for programming.
Case Study: The Work Van’s Ghost in the Machine
A local contractor brought in his ’11 Savana 2500, a nearly identical setup. His complaint was baffling: sometimes the dome lights wouldn’t turn off, draining the battery overnight. Other times, the power locks would cycle randomly while driving. He’d already replaced the battery and checked for obvious wiring shorts. After connecting my scan tool, I found several ‘U’ series communication codes, pointing to a network issue. The culprit? The BCM. Water intrusion from a leaky windshield cowl had corroded one of the main connectors, causing intermittent short circuits internally. Installing a pre-programmed BCM like this one had his van’s electronics working perfectly in under an hour, getting him back to his job site without delay.
Is Your Savana Showing These Electrical Gremlins?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is the likely solution:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on or not working at all.
- ✔ The security system acting erratically or preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Gauges on the instrument cluster behaving strangely or not working.
- ✔ False warning lights appearing on the dash (e.g., Airbag, ABS).
- ✔ Communication error codes stored, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-series codes.
- ✔ A/C and climate control functions not responding correctly.
Your Step-by-Step BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer or any professional technician. In most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center dash area.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Access the BCM: You will likely need to remove trim panels around the center dash or glove box area to gain access to the module. Keep your screws and clips organized.
- Disconnect the Module: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed or slid to release. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old BCM: Unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in place and securely fasten it.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the electrical connectors firmly into the new module. You should hear or feel a click. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Final Procedures: After installation, follow the critical post-installation steps outlined below to ensure all systems, like the airbag and brake sensors, are correctly initialized.
Important: Post-Installation Procedures
To finalize the installation and ensure 100% proper vehicle function, a few key procedures are required. These steps are critical for safety and performance.
- Airbag System Reset: The ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a compatible high-level scan tool. This step ensures the new BCM communicates correctly with the airbag system and extinguishes the warning light.
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration: Some vehicles require the brake pedal position sensor to be recalibrated after a BCM replacement. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems function as designed.
Note: If you are not equipped to perform these final steps, a qualified automotive technician can complete them for you.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This BCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM trucks, vans, and SUVs. It replaces part numbers 25847588, 15819552, 15921352, 20815898, 22860591, and many more listed below. Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN to confirm compatibility.
This part fits the following vehicles:
- ACADIA 07-12
- AVALANCHE 1500 10 (ID 25892622)
- CAPRICE 11-13
- CAPTIVA SPORT 12
- CTS 08-13
- DTS 06-11
- ENCLAVE 08-12
- EQUINOX 07-09
- ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
- EXPRESS 1500 / 2500 / 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 / 2500 / 3500 VAN 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 / YUKON XL 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
Replaces 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. We handle all the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during or after checkout, and we will flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your van. It will be ready to install when it arrives.
Where is the BCM located on my 2010 Savana van?
On most 2008-2012 Savana and Express vans, the Body Control Module is located in the center of the dashboard, often accessible by removing the glove box or lower dash trim panels.
Will this fix my security light and no-start problem?
Yes, a failing BCM is a very common cause of issues with the Passlock or Passkey III anti-theft systems on these GM vehicles. A new, correctly programmed BCM will resolve these security-related starting problems.
What happens if I don’t do the airbag or brake recalibration procedures?
These procedures are essential for safety. If the airbag (SDM) key setup is not performed, the airbag warning light will remain on, and the system may not deploy correctly in an accident. If the brake pedal sensor is not recalibrated, it can affect brake light operation and the functionality of your vehicle’s stability control system.