Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins in Your GM Truck or Van?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. A customer comes in with a 2005 Silverado, and the story is always the same: the dome light has a mind of its own, the power windows work intermittently, and the radio sometimes refuses to turn off after the key is removed. These aren’t separate, unrelated problems; they’re classic symptoms of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central nervous system for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it starts to go, it can cause a cascade of frustrating issues. This isn’t just an annoyance—it can affect vehicle security and safety.
This isn’t a part you can just grab off a shelf and install. A new BCM requires specific programming to communicate with your vehicle’s other modules. That’s where we come in. We eliminate the most significant hassle of this repair by pre-programming this GM BCM 15136224 to your truck’s exact Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ever leaves our facility. We load the latest GM-certified software, ensuring all functions work as the factory intended. You get a part that’s ready for installation, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay
A customer brought in his 2006 Sierra 2500 work truck last month, completely fed up. His power locks were cycling on their own, the security light was flashing randomly, and his battery would be dead every few mornings. He had already replaced the battery and alternator to no avail. After a quick scan, I found multiple communication loss codes with the BCM. Instead of just swapping the part, we confirmed power and ground to the module were solid, which they were. The internal failure of the original BCM was causing parasitic draw. We installed one of our pre-programmed units, and within an hour, all the phantom electrical issues were gone. He was back on the job site the same day, without the downtime and expense of a dealer visit.
Is Your Truck or Van Showing These Symptoms?
A faulty BCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your Body Control Module is the likely culprit:
- ✔ 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 security system acting up or the security light staying illuminated.
- ✔ The horn sounding unexpectedly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ Inconsistent instrument panel gauge behavior or warning lights.
- ✔ A parasitic battery drain that kills your battery overnight.
- ✔ Communication errors with other modules when using a scan tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Replacement
Replacing the BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. While the location varies slightly between trucks and vans, the process is similar. Always prioritize safety.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are de-energized.
- Locate the BCM: On Silverado and Sierra pickups, it’s typically found under the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the steering column. On Express and Savana vans, it’s located behind the center dash trim.
- Remove Trim Panels: Carefully remove any plastic trim or panels necessary to access the module. A set of non-marring trim removal tools is highly recommended.
- Disconnect and Remove: The BCM is held in by a few bolts or clips. Unplug the electrical connectors—they have locking tabs you’ll need to depress—and remove the old module.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in place and securely reconnect all electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock in.
- Reconnect Battery: Re-install any trim panels you removed and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Important Post-Installation Steps
After installing your new GM BCM 15136224, a couple of crucial relearn procedures are necessary to ensure full functionality and safety. These steps require a bi-directional scan tool.
- Airbag System (SRS): The airbag warning light will likely be on. You must perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to sync the new BCM with the airbag system’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). This is a critical safety step.
- Brake System: Some vehicles may require a ‘Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration’ to ensure the brake lights and stability control systems function correctly.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility for Part 15136224
This module is a direct replacement for several part numbers, including 15167329, 15194169, 15747545, 15116065, 15198115, 15136876, and 10367689. It fits a wide range of GM vehicles. Please confirm your model and options below.
CHEVROLET EXPRESS/GMC SAVANA VANS 1500/2500/3500 2003-2007
CHEVROLET SILVERADO/GMC SIERRA PICKUPS 1500/2500/3500 2003-2007 (Classic Style for 2007)
Note: Fitment varies based on cab type (exc. Crew Cab for most pickups), transmission, and specific packages. Please match your part number or contact us with your VIN to guarantee fitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this BCM really plug-and-play?
Yes, because we program it to your VIN before shipping, the installation is physically plug-and-play. However, as noted above, you will need a capable scan tool to perform the required Airbag (SDM Key Setup) and potentially a Brake Pedal Sensor relearn procedure to restore full vehicle functionality.
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your order until we receive this information, as the programming is essential for the part to work.
Will this fix a parasitic battery drain?
In many cases, yes. A common failure mode for the BCM is an internal short that keeps a circuit active after the key is off, leading to a dead battery. If the BCM has been properly diagnosed as the source of the draw, this part will solve the problem.
What tools do I need for the installation?
For the physical replacement, you’ll typically need basic hand tools like a socket set and screwdrivers, plus a set of plastic trim removal tools is highly recommended to avoid damaging your dashboard. For the essential post-installation steps, a bi-directional diagnostic scan tool is required.
Does this BCM support vehicles with or without certain options?
Our VIN-based programming configures the BCM for the exact options your vehicle was built with from the factory, such as power windows, keyless entry, and security system options. It ensures everything works as it should.