End the Electrical Headaches in Your GM Vehicle
If you’re dealing with flickering lights, power accessories that have a mind of their own, or a security light that prevents your 2008-2012 Savana 1500 from starting, you’ve likely met the frustrating symptoms of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can create a cascade of bizarre, hard-to-diagnose issues. This isn’t just an annoyance; it affects your van’s reliability and security. Stop chasing electrical gremlins and get a definitive solution.
This BCM is your direct-fit, plug-and-play answer. The biggest hurdle in replacing a BCM has always been the expensive and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming. We eliminate that step entirely. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our technicians will flash this module with the latest official GM software specific to your Savana 1500. It arrives at your door ready for installation, saving you hundreds in dealer fees and getting your work van back on the road where it belongs.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in his ’11 Savana 2500 work van with a classic BCM failure story. The dome lights wouldn’t turn off, the power locks worked intermittently, and worst of all, the van would randomly refuse to start, showing the security light on the dash. He had already replaced the battery and checked fuses, but the problems persisted. After a quick scan, we confirmed communication errors with the BCM. Instead of a costly dealer replacement, we sourced a VIN-programmed module just like this one. The installation took less than an hour, and once we performed the necessary security relearn and airbag key setup, every single one of his electrical issues was resolved. It’s a common failure, but with a pre-programmed part, it’s a surprisingly simple fix.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working at all.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security system light is illuminated, causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., ‘door ajar’ light).
- ✔ Horn honking randomly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ Communication error codes when scanned with a diagnostic tool.
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Installation
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. While the exact location can vary slightly by model, it’s typically found in the center dash area on Savana and Express vans.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Locate the BCM: On most Savana/Express vans, you’ll need to remove the lower dash panels on the driver’s side or center console area to access the module. It’s a black plastic box with several large multi-pin electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that must be depressed to release them. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely plug in all the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may need to go through a security relearn procedure, which often involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes.
Important Post-Installation Steps
After installing your new BCM, a couple of final procedures are required to ensure full system functionality and safety. These steps require a professional-grade scan tool.
- Airbag System Reset: To clear the airbag warning light, the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed. This re-establishes communication between the new BCM and the airbag system’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Relearn: Some vehicles may require the Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor to be recalibrated. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems function correctly with the new module.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and interchanges with multiple part numbers, ensuring a perfect fit. Please match your part number or vehicle from the list below.
Replaces 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
Fits Models Including:
- GMC Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van (2008-2012)
- Chevrolet Express 1500/2500/3500 Van (2008-2012)
- GMC Acadia (2007-2012)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2009-2012)
- Buick Enclave (2008-2012)
- Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban 1500 (2010 with specific IDs)
- GMC Yukon / Yukon XL 1500 (2010 with specific IDs)
- Cadillac Escalade / ESV / EXT (2010 with specific IDs)
- Chevrolet Impala (2006-2013)
- And many more listed in the original fitment data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, absolutely. Providing your VIN is the most critical step. We use it to load the correct GM software and vehicle-specific options into the BCM, ensuring it communicates perfectly with the other modules in your vehicle. This is what makes the installation a plug-and-play process.
Will this fix my ‘Service StabiliTrak’ message?
While a faulty BCM can contribute to StabiliTrak issues, it’s not the only cause. This part often resolves communication-related errors, but the system should be properly diagnosed first. If codes point to BCM communication loss, this is likely your solution.
What tools do I need for the post-installation procedures?
The ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ and ‘Brake Pedal Relearn’ procedures require a bi-directional scan tool (like a GM Tech 2, MDI, or high-end professional scanner). Most basic code readers cannot perform these functions. If you don’t have access to one, a local independent shop can perform these steps for you quickly after you’ve installed the part.
Is this a new or used part?
This is a quality, tested part that has been professionally prepared and programmed for your vehicle. We guarantee its functionality and ensure it’s loaded with the latest software for optimal performance, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to a new dealer part.
What happens if I install it without doing the airbag reset?
The vehicle will likely run, but the airbag warning light will remain on, and more importantly, the airbag system will be disabled. For your safety, it is essential to have the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure completed by a qualified technician with the proper tools.