Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins in Your GM Truck or Van?
Is your Silverado, Sierra, or Express van acting possessed? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows and locks, a security light that won’t turn off, or strange instrument cluster behavior are all classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, when the BCM starts to go, it can create a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated issues. I’ve spent two decades under the dash of these trucks, and I can tell you that a faulty BCM is often the root cause of the most baffling electrical problems.
A Technician’s Notebook
Just last month, a 2006 Silverado 2500 was towed to my shop. The owner had replaced the battery, alternator, and half the fuses trying to solve an intermittent no-start and randomly dying interior lights. His scan tool showed a dozen communication errors. After a quick check of the main power and grounds, I went straight for the BCM. We found corrosion on one of the connectors from a leaky windshield seal—a very common failure point. Swapping in a properly programmed BCM didn’t just fix the starting issue; it cleared up every single electrical complaint he had. This isn’t just a part; it’s the solution that brings your vehicle back to life.
The Simple, Reliable Fix: Programmed and Ready to Install
Forget expensive dealership visits and the headache of finding a shop that can program a new module. We take the guesswork and hassle out of the equation. This genuine GM Body Control Module arrives at your door pre-programmed with the latest GM software, specifically matched to your vehicle’s VIN. All you have to do is provide your VIN at checkout, and we handle the complex programming. This ensures that all the specific options and security information for your truck or van are correctly loaded, making the installation process as smooth as possible.
Is Your GM Truck or Van Showing These Signs?
- ✔ 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 or anti-theft light is illuminated, potentially causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ Inaccurate or dead gauges on the instrument cluster.
- ✔ The radio or climate controls are behaving strangely.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication loss with other modules (U-codes).
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working when pressed.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On most Silverado and Sierra pickups, the BCM is located under the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the steering column. On Express and Savana vans, it’s typically behind the center dash panel.
- Remove Connectors: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Take your time to avoid damaging the wiring.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting bracket and remove it. Install your new, pre-programmed BCM in its place.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug all the electrical connectors firmly into the new BCM. You should hear or feel a ‘click’ as they lock into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Post-Installation Procedures: After installation, you MUST perform a few key procedures. Use a capable diagnostic scan tool to run the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function to clear the airbag light. Some vehicles may also require a Brake Pedal Position Sensor recalibration. If you are not equipped to do this, a professional technician can perform these steps quickly.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM trucks and vans and is compatible with part numbers 15167329, 15194169, 15747545, 15136224, 15116065, 15198115, 15136876, and 10367689. Please verify your vehicle from the list below:
Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra Pickups (2003-2007): Fits 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Located under the steering column. Excludes all Crew Cab models. For 2007, this fits the ‘Classic’ body style only (identified by a creased door skin).
Chevrolet SSR (2003-2006): Direct fit for all models within this year range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, absolutely. Providing your 17-digit VIN is critical. We use it to load your vehicle’s exact software and security settings onto the GM Body Control Module before shipping. This step is what makes the installation possible without a trip to the dealer.
What happens if I don’t do the post-installation procedures?
If you skip the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure, the airbag warning light will remain on because the BCM and the airbag module (SDM) won’t be able to communicate securely. The brake pedal recalibration ensures the brake lights and stability control systems function correctly. These are critical safety steps.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to replace?
The physical replacement is straightforward for someone with basic mechanical skills. It involves removing a few dash panels and unplugging connectors. The challenge lies in the post-installation electronic setup. If you have a high-end bidirectional scan tool, you can do it yourself. If not, the physical swap is easy, and a local shop can complete the final setup for you.
Will this fix my truck’s no-start problem?
If your no-start is caused by the factory anti-theft system (Passlock) being triggered by a faulty BCM, then yes, this will resolve the issue. Because we program the module to your VIN, it will correctly recognize your key and allow the vehicle to start.