Fix Your Van’s Electrical Gremlins for Good
If you’re dealing with baffling electrical issues in your 2004-2007 GMC Savana 3500, you know how frustrating it can be. One moment the power locks work, the next they don’t. The A/C blower motor has a mind of its own, and a persistent airbag light might be staring you down. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact problems countless times. The culprit is almost always a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the electronic nerve center of your vehicle’s body functions.
This replacement BCM, corresponding to part number 15198116, is the definitive solution. We make the repair process simple with our professional Cloning Service. You send us your original BCM, and we transfer its exact data to this replacement unit. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programming. When you receive it back, it’s a true plug-and-play part, ready to restore full functionality to your workhorse van.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Contractor’s Intermittent Chaos
A local contractor brought in his ’06 Savana 3500, complaining of what he called “total chaos.” The dome lights would stay on, draining the battery overnight, and his power door locks were completely unresponsive—a major security issue when his van is full of expensive tools. He’d replaced the battery and checked fuses, but the problems persisted. After hooking up the scanner, I saw a slew of communication DTCs pointing to the BCM. Instead of a costly new module and programming fee at the dealer, we used a cloned unit. In less than an hour, the van was back in service, locks working perfectly, and no more dead batteries. It’s a classic case where the 2004-2007 Savana 3500 BCM was the single point of failure for multiple, seemingly unrelated issues.
Is Your Van Exhibiting These Faults?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If your Savana is showing any of these signs, it’s time to consider a replacement:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lighting.
- ✔ HVAC system problems, such as a blower motor that won’t turn on or operates erratically.
- ✔ An active airbag warning light on the dash, sometimes accompanied by DTC B1001.
- ✔ Vehicle security system malfunctions, including no-start conditions where the engine cranks but won’t fire.
- ✔ Unpredictable behavior from windshield wipers or radio controls.
- ✔ A cluster of seemingly random diagnostic trouble codes related to body systems.
A Straightforward Guide to BCM Replacement
Getting your van back to 100% is easier than you might think. For the Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center of the dash. The entire process takes just a few minutes.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal on your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the Module: On your Savana 3500, find the BCM in the center dash area. It’s typically accessible after removing a lower dash panel.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module and remove it.
- Install the New BCM: Position the cloned BCM and secure it in place. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely.
- Power Up: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all functions—lights, locks, windows, HVAC, etc.—to confirm the repair.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15198116 and other interchangeable numbers. While this page focuses on the 2004-2007 Savana 3500 BCM, it also fits a wide range of other GM trucks and SUVs. Please verify your part number and specific vehicle options below.
Fits GMC/Chevrolet Vans 2004-2007 (with commercial tradesman package – opt PRP):
- ✔ Chevrolet Express 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
- ✔ GMC Savana 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
Also fits these models (check location and options):
- ✔ Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe (2003-2007)
- ✔ GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL (2003-2007)
- ✔ Cadillac Escalade, ESV, EXT (2003-2006)
- ✔ Hummer H2 (2003-2007)
This module is interchangeable with part numbers: 10383536, 15116066, 15136225, 15136877, 15137393, 15137394, 15137395, 15137396, 15198116, 15257043, 15257044, 15257045, 15257046, 10367690, 15064149, 15194170.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cloning Service?
Cloning is a service where we transfer the vehicle-specific data (including VIN, mileage, and key information) from your original, failing BCM to this replacement unit. This makes the new module plug-and-play, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
Do I need to send my original BCM to you?
Yes. For the cloning service to work, we need your original module to extract the necessary data. We will perform the service and ship both your original module and the ready-to-install replacement back to you.
Is there a core charge?
No, there is no core charge. Your original module is required for the data transfer and will be returned to you along with the programmed replacement. You are not required to send it back to us after the fact.
What if my airbag light is on after installation?
In some cases, the BCM and the airbag system (SDM) need to be re-synced. This is a simple procedure called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ that can be performed by a technician with a professional-grade scan tool.
Will this fix my no-start problem?
If the no-start is caused by the vehicle’s security system (Passlock/Passkey) being controlled by a faulty BCM, then yes, this cloned module will resolve the issue by restoring the correct security data.
How difficult is the installation?
For a Savana van, the installation is very straightforward. It involves removing a dash panel and swapping the module. Most DIYers with basic tools can complete the job in under 15 minutes.