Restore Full Functionality to Your GM Vehicle
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your 2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala or another compatible GM vehicle, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is the likely culprit. As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a bad BCM can create a cascade of frustrating problems that seem unrelated. This isn’t just a part; it’s the central nervous system for your vehicle’s comfort and security features, and when it fails, it can make your car feel unreliable and unsafe.
This replacement BCM, programmed specifically for your vehicle through our professional cloning service, is the most effective and straightforward solution. We transfer the exact data from your original module to this replacement unit. This means the module arrives at your door ready for plug-and-play installation, saving you hundreds of dollars in dealership programming fees and diagnostic time.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in their 2011 Impala with a complaint that was all over the map. The radio would turn off randomly, the driver’s side power window worked intermittently, and occasionally, the security light would stay on, preventing the car from starting. They had already replaced the battery and checked the alternator. After hooking up the scan tool, I saw several communication loss codes (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. Instead of a complex and expensive dealer visit, we used a cloned BCM. We transferred the data from his faulty original unit to the replacement. The installation took less than 30 minutes, and every single electrical gremlin was gone. It’s a perfect example of how the right part, correctly prepared, makes for a simple and permanent fix.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing BCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s time to consider a replacement:
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors not working correctly or at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on.
- ✔ The security system acting up, causing no-start conditions (Security light on).
- ✔ Erratic behavior from the radio or climate control system.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., “Service Theft System”).
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as U0140, U0155, B1001, or B1325 stored in the system.
A Straightforward Guide to BCM Installation
For the 2006-2013 Impala, the BCM is located on the driver’s side, to the left of the steering column. While professional installation is always an option, a confident DIYer can perform this replacement.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronic components.
- Access the Module: Remove the lower dash panel beneath the steering wheel to gain access to the BCM. It’s typically a black box with multiple large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully release the locking tabs on each electrical connector and pull them straight out. Then, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the replacement BCM onto the bracket and securely plug in all electrical connectors. You should hear a click as they lock into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reinstall the dash panel and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all functions (windows, locks, lights, etc.) to ensure proper operation.
- Perform Relearns (If Necessary): In some cases, you may need to perform a post-installation procedure like an Airbag System Sync or Brake Pedal Position Relearn. See details below.
Important Post-Installation Steps
Our cloning service eliminates the need for standard programming, but some vehicle systems may require a ‘handshake’ with the new BCM. Please be aware of the following potential procedures:
- ✔ Airbag System Sync: If the airbag light is on after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional-grade scan tool to sync the modules and clear the light.
- ✔ Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn might be necessary for proper brake light and traction control functionality.
Disclaimer: Procedures can vary. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for vehicle-specific guidance.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15948439 and is interchangeable with the following part numbers: 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15299986, 15819552, 15828601, 15837419, 15872388, 15872421, 15880684, 15921352, 15921353, 15948438, 20815898, 20839063, 20864767, 20864768, 20921435, 20921436, 20935349, 22860591, 25826124, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, and 95151084.
It is confirmed to fit the following models:
- ACADIA 07-12
- AVALANCHE 1500 10 (ID 25892622)
- CAPRICE 11-13
- CAPTIVA SPORT 12 (ID 20921435, 20921436, 22860591)
- CTS 08-13
- DTS 06-11
- ENCLAVE 08-12
- EQUINOX 07-09
- ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
- EXPRESS 1500/2500/3500 VAN 08-12
- G8 08-09
- HUMMER H2 08-09
- IMPALA 06-13
- LUCERNE 06-11
- MONTE CARLO 06-07
- OUTLOOK 07-10
- SAVANA 1500/2500/3500 VAN 08-12
- SRX 07-09
- STS 10
- SUBURBAN 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
- TAHOE 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
- TORRENT 07-09
- TRAVERSE 09-12
- VUE 08-10
- YUKON / YUKON XL 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the BCM cloning service work?
After you place your order, you will ship your original BCM to us. Our technicians will extract the unique programming, security, and vehicle-specific data from it and flash it onto the replacement module. This makes the new module a perfect electronic match for your car.
Do I still need to provide my VIN?
Yes, please provide your VIN at checkout. We use the VIN to verify that you are purchasing the correct hardware version for your vehicle’s specific options before we perform the cloning service, ensuring 100% compatibility.
What happens to my original module?
Your original module is always returned to you along with the newly programmed replacement unit. We do not keep customer cores.
Will I need a special scan tool after installation?
In over 95% of cases, no further tools are needed. However, as noted above, some GM vehicles may require a scan tool for an airbag system sync or brake pedal position relearn if specific warning lights appear after installation.
What if my original BCM is not communicating at all?
Even if your BCM is unresponsive or ‘dead,’ we can often recover the necessary data. Please contact us with the specifics of your module’s failure, and our technicians can advise on the likelihood of a successful data transfer.