Restore Your Van’s Electrical Brain and Get Back on the Road
If your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 2500 is acting possessed—with flickering lights, power windows and locks with a mind of their own, or a security light that won’t turn off—you’re likely dealing with a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central command for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can cause a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated problems. It’s the kind of issue that can take a reliable workhorse off the road. But the fix doesn’t have to involve expensive dealership visits and programming fees.
This is a direct-replacement Body Control Module, part number 15828601, that arrives at your door ready for installation. The key is our professional programming service: when you order, simply provide us with your vehicle’s VIN. We will flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your Savana 2500. This eliminates the most difficult part of the job, turning a complex electronic repair into a manageable DIY task for enthusiasts or a quick, profitable job for professional mechanics.
A Technician’s Notebook
“A customer’s 2011 Savana 2500 work van came in last month with a list of bizarre electrical complaints. The dome lights would stay on, the radio would randomly shut off, and the power door locks worked intermittently. The driver was convinced it was haunted. After checking the basics—fuses, grounds, and wiring—my scanner pointed to a communication breakdown with the BCM. These modules, especially on high-mileage work vehicles, can fail from heat cycles and vibration. We swapped in one of our pre-programmed units, and it was like flipping a switch. All the ‘ghosts’ were gone. This is a classic BCM failure, and a pre-flashed module is the most efficient fix I’ve found.”
Is Your Van Showing These Electrical Gremlins?
- ✔ Power windows, mirrors, or door locks operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on.
- ✔ The security system preventing the vehicle from starting (security light on).
- ✔ The horn sounding unexpectedly or not working.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights appearing for no reason.
- ✔ Communication error codes stored when checked with a diagnostic scanner.
Your Straightforward Installation Guide for the 2008-2012 Savana 2500 BCM
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On the Savana/Express vans, the BCM is typically located in the center dash area. You may need to remove lower dash panels for access.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module and remove it.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely plug in all the electrical connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Relearn Procedures: This is a critical step. You will need a capable diagnostic scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to clear any airbag faults. Additionally, perform a Brake Pedal Position Sensor recalibration if required for your vehicle.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for part number 15828601 and is interchangeable with a wide range of other part numbers. It fits numerous GM vehicles. While this listing is for the 2008-2012 Savana 2500 BCM, it also fits the following models (please verify your specific part number or contact us with your VIN):
Note: This is a comprehensive list. Always confirm fitment by matching your original part number to the list provided or by sending us your VIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, providing your VIN is essential. We use it to load the correct, vehicle-specific software and the latest updates from GM onto the module before shipping. This ensures the BCM works correctly with the specific options your vehicle has.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Because we pre-program it, it is as close to plug-and-play as possible. You can install it yourself, but you will need a capable scan tool for post-installation procedures like the airbag system key setup and brake pedal sensor relearn to ensure all systems function correctly.
What tools are required for the post-installation procedures?
You will need a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool. Basic code readers cannot perform the necessary ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ or ‘Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration’ functions. Many local repair shops can perform these procedures for you if you do not own a suitable tool.
Will this fix my ‘Service Airbag’ light?
If the airbag light is on due to a faulty BCM, this part will solve the problem. However, after installation, you MUST perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a scan tool to reset the light and ensure the system is operational.
What if my original part number isn’t 15828601 but is on your list?
If your part number is on our extensive cross-reference list, this module will work for your vehicle. GM often consolidates multiple part numbers into one updated, superseding part. This module serves as a correct replacement for all listed numbers.