End the Electrical Headaches in Your GM Van or Truck
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your 2004-2007 Chevrolet Express 3500 Van—like power windows with a mind of their own, a heater that won’t turn on, or a security light that keeps you from starting the engine—you’ve likely met the culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the electronic nerve center for your vehicle’s comfort and convenience features, when the BCM goes bad, it can make your reliable workhorse feel unpredictable. This replacement BCM, part number 15137395, is the definitive solution. We pre-program it to your van’s exact VIN, so it arrives ready for a true plug-and-play installation, saving you a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Commercial Fleet
I once had a local plumbing company bring in one of their 2006 Express 3500 work vans. The complaint was ‘the battery keeps dying and the radio acts weird.’ The battery and alternator tested fine. After digging in, I found the BCM wasn’t letting certain circuits go to sleep after shutdown, causing a parasitic draw. We replaced the BCM, and the problem was solved. A week later, a second van from their fleet came in with a different issue: the power door locks were working intermittently. It was the same root cause. We ended up replacing the BCMs on their entire fleet of seven vans, using pre-programmed modules like this one to minimize their downtime and save them thousands in dealership labor and programming fees. It’s a common failure point, but with a pre-programmed part, it’s a simple, permanent fix.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Electrical Gremlins?
A failing BCM doesn’t always trigger a check engine light, often leaving owners and even some technicians guessing. Over 20 years in the business, I’ve seen these modules cause a specific set of symptoms. See if any of these sound familiar:
- ✔ Non-functional or erratic power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lighting.
- ✔ HVAC controls are unresponsive, or the blower motor works only on high or not at all.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security light stays on, leading to a no-start condition.
- ✔ An airbag warning light is illuminated on the dash, often with a DTC like B1001 (Option Configuration Error).
- ✔ Strange electrical behavior, like the radio turning on by itself or wipers activating randomly.
- ✔ Communication loss codes (U-codes) when scanning the vehicle’s network.
Quick & Easy BCM Installation Guide
For the DIYer or professional mechanic, swapping this module is one of the easier jobs you can do. The key is our VIN programming, which handles the complex part for you. No special tools are needed for the physical installation.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all modules have powered down.
- Locate the BCM: In the 2004-2007 Express and Savana vans, the BCM is typically located in the center of the dashboard, often accessible by removing a lower dash panel or the glove box. In trucks and SUVs, it’s usually under the steering column.
- Swap the Module: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle. Remove any retaining bolts or clips holding the old module, then install the new module in its place.
- Connect and Power Up: Securely plug the connectors into your new, pre-programmed BCM. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Check: Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, locks, windows, wipers, and HVAC—to confirm the repair. Note: In some cases, an airbag light may require a professional scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure to sync with the new BCM.
Verified Fitment For These GM Vehicles
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for part number 15137395 and other interchangeable numbers. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles, specifically models with the commercial tradesman package (option code PRP) for vans:
- Chevrolet Express 1500/2500/3500 Van (2004-2007)
- GMC Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van (2004-2007)
- Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe (2003-2007 Classic)
- GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL (2003-2007 Classic)
- Cadillac Escalade, ESV, EXT (2003-2006)
- Hummer H2 (2003-2007)
Note: Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN to ensure perfect compatibility. This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 15116066, 15137395, 10383536, 15198116, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ actually mean for me?
It means the module arrives ready to install right out of the box. We load it with your vehicle’s specific software and settings using your VIN. This allows you to skip the expensive and inconvenient trip to a dealership for programming, saving you time and money.
Is this difficult to install myself?
Not at all. For most DIYers with basic tools, this is a very straightforward job that can take as little as 5-10 minutes. The primary task is accessing the module, unplugging the old one, and plugging in the new one.
My airbag light is on. Will this BCM fix it?
A faulty BCM can cause the airbag light to come on. Replacing it will often resolve the root cause. However, after installation, the airbag system (SDM) may need to be electronically ‘synced’ with the new BCM using a professional scan tool to clear the light. This is a standard post-install procedure.
Do I have to send my old BCM back?
No. We do not require a core return for this part. You can keep your old module, which means no core charge and no hassle of shipping it back.
Where is the BCM located on my 2005 Express 3500 Van?
On the 2004-2007 Express and Savana vans, the Body Control Module is typically found behind the dash panel in the center console area, near the HVAC controls.