Restore Your Truck’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your 2002 Chevy Tahoe—like power windows with a mind of their own, flickering interior lights, or a security light that won’t let your truck start—you’ve likely met the culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience diagnosing these exact problems, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty BCM can turn a reliable GM truck into a source of constant frustration. It’s the central hub for your vehicle’s comfort and convenience features, and when it goes, it can create a cascade of confusing symptoms.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, hassle-free fix. We take the guesswork and the expensive trip to the dealership out of the equation. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN after purchase, and our experts will program this module with the latest GM software specific to your truck. It arrives at your door ready for installation, saving you time, money, and the headache of programming a blank module.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in a 2002 Silverado with a classic BCM failure story. The radio would turn on and off, the dome light would stay on, and occasionally the truck wouldn’t start, flashing the security light. They had already replaced the battery and checked the grounds. After hooking up my scan tool, I saw multiple communication loss codes (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. These modules often fail internally from heat cycles and age, causing intermittent shorts. Installing a pre-programmed BCM like this one solved every single issue in under an hour. It’s a common failure point, but thankfully, it’s a straightforward fix with the right part.
Is Your GM Truck or SUV Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Erratic interior or exterior lighting (flickering, staying on, or not turning on).
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light is on, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Gauges on the instrument cluster behaving erratically or not working at all.
- ✔ The radio or climate control system functions intermittently.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to lost communication, such as U1000, or specific BCM codes like B1001.
Your Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait about 10 minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On most 2002 GM trucks and SUVs like the Tahoe and Silverado, the BCM is located under the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the steering column. On vans like the Astro/Safari or smaller SUVs like the Blazer, it’s often behind the center dash.
- ✔ Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be pressed to release. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely re-attach the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- ✔ Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position (without starting) and test your electronics: windows, locks, lights, etc. Start the vehicle to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Post-Installation Relearn Procedures
While this 2002 Tahoe BCM is programmed to be plug-and-play, some vehicles may require a simple relearn procedure for full functionality. These are not always necessary but are good to be aware of:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional-grade scan tool to sync the modules and clear the light.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a recalibration of the brake pedal position sensor may be required to ensure brake lights and traction control work as intended.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 15063578, 15081796, 15095334, 19208537, DKAK, and DPNU. It is confirmed to fit the following GM models:
Note: Please match your part number or vehicle from the list below for guaranteed compatibility.
- Avalanche 1500 (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), 4×2
- Astro / Safari (2002-2005): Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
- Blazer S10 / Jimmy S15 (2002-2005): Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
- Escalade (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), 4×2
- S10 / S15 / Sonoma (2002-2004): Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
- Sierra & Silverado 1500/2500/3500 & Denali (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
- Suburban 1500/2500 (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), 4×2 for 1500
- Tahoe (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), 4×2
- Yukon & Yukon XL 1500/2500 (2002): Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), 4×2 for Yukon/Yukon XL 1500
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming myself?
No. This Body Control Module comes fully programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. Just provide your VIN at checkout, and we handle all the programming before shipping. It arrives ready to install.
Is there a core charge or do I have to send my old part back?
There is absolutely no core charge. You can keep your old module, so there’s no need to worry about return shipping or waiting for a core refund.
What tools do I need for installation?
For most models, you’ll only need basic hand tools like a socket set or nut driver to remove the lower dash panel and unbolt the BCM. No special electronic tools are required for the physical installation.
Will this fix my ‘Security’ light issue?
Yes, a failing BCM is one of the most common causes of a persistent ‘Security’ light and a no-start condition in these GM vehicles. Replacing it with our pre-programmed unit is a very effective solution for this problem.
What if my part number is slightly different but my vehicle is on the list?
This module replaces several part numbers, including 15081796, 15095334, and 19208537. As long as your vehicle model and year are on our compatibility list, this module is the correct, updated replacement for your original.