Restore Your Van’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play BCM
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand the chaos a failing Body Control Module (BCM) can cause. Your 2008-2012 Savana 3500 Van is a workhorse, but when its electronic nerve center starts to fail, it can bring your entire operation to a halt. You’re dealing with flickering lights, unresponsive power windows or locks, or even a no-start condition caused by a faulty security system. It’s frustrating, and a trip to the dealership means downtime and expensive programming fees. This is the reliable, cost-effective solution you’ve been searching for.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete fix. We take a genuine OEM BCM and flash it with the latest GM-certified software, specifically programmed to your van’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means when it arrives at your door, it’s ready to install right out of the box. You bypass the need for expensive dealer-specific scan tools for programming, saving you time and hundreds of dollars. Get your van back to being the dependable tool you need it to be.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Gremlin
I remember a 2011 Express 3500 from a local plumbing company that came into my bay with the most bizarre, intermittent issues. The driver reported the dome lights would stay on, the radio would randomly shut off, and sometimes the power locks wouldn’t work. We checked grounds, wiring, and relays—everything looked fine. A standard scan showed a slew of U-codes (communication errors). This is a classic sign that the central hub, the BCM, is failing internally. Instead of spending hours chasing phantom electrical faults, we swapped in a VIN-programmed BCM. The problems vanished instantly. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most complex-seeming issues have a straightforward, central cause.
Is Your Van Exhibiting These Electrical Issues?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If your Savana is experiencing any of the following, a faulty body computer is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights that stay on, flicker, or don’t work at all.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light is illuminated, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ The instrument cluster displays false warnings or behaves erratically.
- ✔ Communication error codes (U-codes) stored in the system, such as U0140, U0155, or U0100.
- ✔ Inconsistent A/C and heater blower motor operation.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 3500 BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. In most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center dash area.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait about 10 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.
- Access the Module: You will likely need to remove a few dash trim panels to gain access to the BCM. It’s typically mounted to a bracket with several large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt the old BCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM onto the bracket and securely reconnect all the electrical connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reassemble your dash panels, reconnect the negative battery terminal, and start the vehicle. Test all functions like lights, locks, and windows to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Information
Because this 2008-2012 Savana 3500 BCM is pre-programmed, most functions will work immediately. However, depending on your vehicle’s specific options, a couple of simple relearn procedures may be needed:
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system. This is only required if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure correct brake light and traction control operation. This can often be done with a high-end bidirectional scan tool.
Disclaimer: We are committed to providing a reliable part, but vehicle systems vary. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any step.
Verified Compatibility Across GM Models
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and part numbers, ensuring a perfect fit and function. Your purchase is guaranteed to be compatible if your original module carries any of the following part numbers:
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:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send you my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module, which can be helpful for reference or as a backup.
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship the module until we have this information to perform the programming.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills and tools, this is a very manageable installation. The most time-consuming part is often accessing the module behind the dash panels. Our guide above provides the general steps.
What if I still have issues after installing the new BCM?
While this BCM will fix issues related to the module itself, it won’t fix underlying wiring problems, faulty sensors, or bad grounds. If problems persist, a thorough diagnosis of the related circuit is recommended.
Will this fix my ‘Service Airbag’ light?
If the airbag light is caused by a faulty BCM, yes. However, after installation, the system may require a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ relearn with a professional scan tool to sync the modules and turn off the light.
Is any other programming required after installation?
No, this 2008-2012 Savana 3500 BCM comes fully programmed to your VIN. The only potential extra steps are the conditional relearn procedures for the airbag or brake pedal position sensor, which are adjustments, not programming.