Restore Full Functionality to Your 2004-2007 GMC Savana 3500 Van
Is your workhorse Savana 3500 van plagued by perplexing electrical issues? When the Body Control Module (BCM) starts to fail, it can throw your entire vehicle into disarray, affecting everything from your lights and power locks to the HVAC system. This isn’t just an annoyance; for a commercial vehicle, it’s downtime and lost revenue. This direct-fit replacement, part number 15137394, is the definitive solution. It arrives expertly programmed to your van’s specific VIN, eliminating the need for expensive dealership visits and ensuring a true plug-and-play repair that gets you back on the job fast.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a 2006 Savana 3500 that rolled into my bay with a classic case of BCM failure. The owner, a local plumber, was at his wit’s end. His interior lights would flicker randomly, the power door locks worked intermittently, and sometimes the van wouldn’t start, flashing the security light. He’d already replaced the battery and checked the grounds. After connecting my scanner, I saw a slew of communication DTCs and a B1001 code. The culprit was the original BCM, which had suffered from internal corrosion—a common issue in these hard-working vans. Installing a VIN-programmed module like this one resolved all issues in under 10 minutes, getting him back to his customers the same day.
Is Your Savana Van Exhibiting These Electrical Gremlins?
A failing Savana 3500 Body Control Module can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty BCM is the most likely cause:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft system preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ HVAC blower motor or climate controls not responding correctly.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from interior dome lights or exterior headlights and taillights.
- ✔ An airbag warning light on the dash, often accompanied by DTC B1001 (Option Configuration Error).
- ✔ A cluster of seemingly unrelated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the system.
Get Your Work Van Running in Minutes: A Quick Install Guide
This repair is one that a confident DIYer or any professional technician can complete with basic tools. The key is that our pre-programming service handles the complicated part for you.
- Safety First: Before you begin, always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and reset the system.
- Locate the BCM: In the 2004-2007 Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center of the dashboard, typically accessible from below. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- Swap the Module: Carefully disconnect the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle. Unbolt the old module, install the new one in its place, and securely reconnect all electrical harnesses.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all the functions that were previously malfunctioning—lights, locks, windows, wipers, and HVAC—to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Note: In some cases, particularly if you had an airbag light, a professional scan tool may be needed to perform the “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure to sync the modules. Similarly, a Brake Pedal Position relearn might be required. These are simple procedures for any well-equipped shop.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Truck or Van
While this is a perfect solution for your Savana 3500 Body Control Module, it is also compatible with a wide range of other GM vehicles. This module, interchangeable with part numbers 15116066, 15137393, 15137395, and others, provides a reliable fix for many popular trucks and SUVs. Please verify your part number before ordering.
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 04-07 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), w/commercial tradesman package (opt PRP)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 04-07 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), w/commercial tradesman package (opt PRP)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 04-07 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), w/commercial tradesman package (opt PRP)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 04-07 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), w/commercial tradesman package (opt PRP)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 04-07 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), w/commercial tradesman package (opt PRP)
This module also fits a wide range of Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, and Hummer H2 models. Please refer to the full fitment list if you are purchasing for another vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ actually mean?
It means we load your van’s unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and all its specific options into the module before shipping. This makes it a true plug-and-play part, as it’s already configured to communicate correctly with your van’s other computers, saving you a trip to the dealer.
Do I need any special tools for the installation?
For the physical replacement, you’ll only need basic hand tools like a socket set or screwdriver to access the BCM in the dash. In some cases, a professional scan tool might be needed for post-install procedures like an airbag system sync, but often it is not required.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is absolutely no core charge. You can keep your old module or dispose of it without the hassle of sending it back to us.
Will this fix a no-start issue caused by the security system?
Yes, in many cases. A failing BCM is a very common cause of security system-related no-start conditions in these GM vans and trucks. Replacing it with a properly programmed unit often resolves the problem immediately.
What if the airbag light is still on after I install it?
If the airbag light remains on, it means the new BCM needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the airbag’s computer (SDM). This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a compatible high-end scan tool. Any professional mechanic can perform this for you.