Solve Your Van’s Electrical Headaches for Good
Is your 2004-2007 GMC Savana 3500 acting possessed? One day the power windows work, the next they don’t. The HVAC blower motor has a mind of its own, and you’re staring at a persistent airbag warning light. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues hundreds of times. More often than not, the culprit isn’t a dozen separate faulty components—it’s a single failing Body Control Module (BCM). This module is the central command for your van’s body electronics, and when it goes, it creates a cascade of frustrating, hard-to-diagnose problems. Stop chasing ghosts in the wiring and get the definitive solution.
This OEM-quality BCM, equivalent to part number 15198116, is the answer. We take the hassle and high cost out of the repair by pre-programming it to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ships. This means no expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, restoring full and reliable functionality to your vehicle’s essential systems.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in their 2006 Savana 3500 work van last month with a laundry list of complaints: the radio would cut out, the door locks were intermittent, and the security light would flash, sometimes causing a no-start condition that left his crew stranded. He had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scanner, I saw a slew of communication DTCs, including the infamous B1001. Instead of starting a wild goose chase, I went straight for the BCM. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, and within 10 minutes, every single issue was resolved. He was back on the road, and his van was reliable again—a simple fix for a complex-looking problem.
Is Your Savana 3500 Showing These Electrical Faults?
- ✔ The heat or A/C blower works intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights are behaving erratically.
- ✔ The anti-theft system is malfunctioning, causing no-start or security light issues.
- ✔ An airbag warning light is on, often with a B1001 diagnostic trouble code.
- ✔ Your scan tool shows various communication or body-related DTCs.
- ✔ Strange grounding issues that are difficult to trace.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2004-2007 Savana 3500 BCM is a job most DIYers or any professional can handle in minutes. For the Savana and Express vans, the BCM is typically located in the center of the dash.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before beginning. This prevents electrical shorts and helps reset the vehicle’s systems.
- Locate the BCM: On your Savana van, find the module in the center dash area. It will have several multi-pin connectors attached.
- Swap the Module: Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses from the old BCM. Unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket and remove it. Seat the new, programmed BCM in its place and securely reconnect all wiring harnesses.
- Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Post-Installation Checks (Important): After replacement, some procedures are necessary. To clear the airbag light, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a compatible high-level scan tool. Some vehicles may also require a brake pedal position sensor recalibration to ensure proper brake light and cruise control function.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15198116 and is compatible with a wide range of GM trucks and vans. While this page is focused on the 2004-2007 Savana 3500 BCM, it also fits other models. Please verify your vehicle in the list below. This part is interchangeable with numbers: 10383536, 15116066, 15136225, 15136877, 15198116, and more.
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)
SILVERADO & SIERRA 1500/2500/3500 PICKUPS 03-07 (Classic)
SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON, YUKON XL 03-06
AVALANCHE 1500/2500 03-06
ESCALADE, ESV, EXT 03-06
HUMMER H2 03-07
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of a VIN-programmed BCM?
The primary benefit is that it’s a plug-and-play solution. We program the module with your vehicle’s specific information, so it works correctly right out of the box without requiring an expensive programming session at a dealership.
Will this BCM fix my airbag light?
It will resolve the fault within the BCM that causes the light, but you MUST perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a professional scan tool after installation to turn the light off. This is a required security handshake between the modules.
How difficult is the installation?
The physical swap is very easy and usually takes less than 15 minutes with basic tools. The only advanced step is the potential need for a scan tool for post-installation procedures like the SDM key setup.
Do I need to return my old part?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep or dispose of your old module without any hassle.
How can I be sure the BCM is my problem?
If you’re experiencing multiple, unrelated electrical issues (like windows, locks, and HVAC all acting up), and especially if you have communication codes like B1001, the BCM is the most likely cause. A failure in a single component, like a window motor, typically won’t affect other systems.
Is this part covered by a warranty?
Yes, this part comes with our standard one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your repair.