Restore Your Van’s Electrical Stability and Get Back on the Road
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical problems in your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 1500, you’re not alone. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless work vans sidelined by a failing Body Control Module (BCM). It’s the central hub for your vehicle’s comfort and security features, and when it goes bad, it can cause a cascade of frustrating, seemingly unrelated issues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; for a work van, it’s lost time and money. This replacement 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is the reliable, straightforward solution you need.
We take the guesswork and hassle out of the repair. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our experts will program the module with the latest GM-certified software specifically for your van. It arrives at your door ready to install, saving you a costly trip to the dealership and their expensive programming fees. This is a direct-fit replacement for part number 20864768 and many others, ensuring a perfect match.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Work Van
I remember a call from a local contractor whose Savana van was, in his words, “haunted.” The dome lights would flicker randomly, the power locks had a mind of their own, and worst of all, it would intermittently refuse to start, leaving his crew stranded. He’d already replaced the battery and checked the alternator. After a quick scan, I saw a handful of U-codes (communication errors), all pointing to the BCM. Instead of towing it to a dealer and waiting days, we ordered a VIN-programmed module. The next day, it took him less than 30 minutes to swap it out in his own shop. The van started right up, all the gremlins were gone, and he was back on the job. That’s the power of a pre-programmed part.
Is Your Savana Showing These Signs of BCM Failure?
A faulty BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a failing Body Control Module is the likely culprit:
- âś” Power windows or door locks operating erratically or not at all.
- âś” The security or anti-theft light stays on, preventing the engine from starting.
- âś” Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working.
- âś” The horn sounding unexpectedly.
- âś” Dashboard warning lights appearing for no reason.
- âś” Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication, such as U0140, U0155, or U0164.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer or any professional mechanic. Since we program it beforehand, no special computer is needed for the main installation.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2008-2012 Savana van, the Body Control Module is typically located in the center dash area. You may need to remove a few trim panels to gain access.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. Note their orientation. Then, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount the new, pre-programmed BCM in place of the old one. Securely reconnect all the electrical connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- Power Up: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ‘On’ position (without starting the engine) and test the functions like power windows, locks, and lights.
Post-Installation Procedures
In some cases, additional steps with a professional scan tool may be required after installation:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after the swap, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed to sync the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: Some models may require a brake pedal position sensor relearn to ensure proper function of the brake lights and stability control systems.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Body Control Module is a guaranteed fit for a wide range of GM vehicles. While this listing is for the 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM, it also directly replaces the BCM in the following models. Please verify your part number.
AVALANCHE 1500 10
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10
ESCALADE ESV 10
ESCALADE EXT 10
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 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 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12
SRX 07-09
STS 10
SUBURBAN 1500 10
TAHOE 10
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10
YUKON XL 1500 10
This module replaces the following part numbers: 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15299986, 15819552, 15828601, 15837419, 15872388, 15872421, 15880684, 15921352, 15921353, 15948438, 15948439, 20815898, 20839063, 20864767, 20864768, 20921435, 20921436, 20935349, 22860591, 25826124, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, 95151084
Do I have to provide my VIN?
Do I have to provide my VIN?
Yes. Providing your VIN is essential. We use it to program the BCM with the correct software and vehicle-specific options, ensuring it works correctly right out of the box. This step eliminates the need for you to pay for programming at a dealership.
Is this part difficult to install?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, it’s a very manageable job. The main challenge is typically accessing the module behind the dash. Since the programming is already done, the physical swap is straightforward.
What if my airbag light is on after installation?
This can happen occasionally. It means the new BCM needs to be electronically introduced to the airbag system’s computer (SDM). A professional mechanic with a capable scan tool will need to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to resolve this.
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No. There is no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module.
Will this fix a no-start problem?
It absolutely can. The BCM is a critical part of the vehicle’s anti-theft system (Passlock/Passkey). If the BCM fails, it can prevent the vehicle from recognizing the key, resulting in a no-crank or no-start condition.