Restore Your Van’s Electrical System with a Pre-Programmed BCM
Is your Savana or Express van acting possessed? Flickering lights, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security light that won’t turn off are classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As a mechanic with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these modules cause some of the most frustrating and hard-to-diagnose electrical gremlins. The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it starts to fail, it can disrupt everything from your interior lights to your door locks.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take a genuine GM-spec BCM and flash it with the latest official software, programmed specifically to your vehicle’s VIN. This critical step ensures all your vehicle’s original features work correctly right out of the box, saving you from a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming. You get a reliable fix that restores factory performance without the dealership price tag.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Work Van That Wouldn’t Cooperate
A local contractor brought in his 2011 Savana 2500 work van, completely fed up. The dome lights would stay on, draining the battery overnight. The power locks worked only when they felt like it, and the radio would randomly shut off. He was losing work time and was worried he’d need to replace the whole van. After hooking up my scan tool, I saw a slew of communication errors (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. Instead of sending him to the dealer for a part that would cost a fortune plus programming fees, we ordered one of these pre-programmed units. An hour after it arrived, the van was back together, all symptoms gone. He was back on the job the next day, having saved hundreds of dollars and a major headache.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A faulty BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your Body Control Module is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Power windows, mirrors, or door locks operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on or not turning on.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light is illuminated on the dash.
- ✔ Intermittent no-start conditions where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., ‘Service Airbag’ or ‘Service Traction System’).
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication, such as U0100, U0140, or other U-codes.
- ✔ A/C compressor not engaging or climate controls not responding.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana Body Control Module is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. While the exact location varies slightly by model (see fitment list), the process is generally similar.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes before beginning.
- Locate the BCM: On most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center dash area, often accessible by removing lower dash panels. For other models, it may be under the steering column or on the left-hand side of the dash.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Most have a locking tab that needs to be depressed or lifted. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Seat the new, pre-programmed BCM into the mounting bracket and secure it. Reconnect all electrical connectors firmly until they click into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position (without starting the engine) and test all body functions: windows, locks, lights, wipers, and radio.
Important Post-Installation Steps
Because this module is pre-programmed, most functions will work immediately. However, depending on your specific vehicle, a couple of additional steps, known as relearn procedures, may be necessary. These synchronize the new BCM with other vehicle systems.
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This is a security handshake between the airbag system and the new BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration may be required to ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. We always recommend consulting a factory service manual or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any step.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and part numbers. Please verify that your vehicle and original part number are on this list. This unit replaces part numbers including: 15872388, 15921352, 20815898, 20921435, 22860591, 25892622, and many more.
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
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) allows us to program the Body Control Module with the exact software and settings for your specific vehicle’s options. This ensures a seamless installation without needing a trip to the dealer.
Is this part truly plug-and-play?
Yes, for the vast majority of functions. Because it arrives pre-programmed, you can simply install it. In some cases, as noted above, minor relearn procedures for the airbag or brake systems may be needed, which require a professional scan tool.
How do I know for sure that my BCM is bad?
The most reliable way is with a professional diagnosis. However, if you’re experiencing multiple, unrelated electrical issues from the symptom list above (like power locks, windows, and security system all acting up), the BCM is the most common cause.
What happens if the airbag light comes on after I install it?
This is a normal security measure on some GM vehicles. The airbag module (SDM) needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the new BCM. A repair shop with a capable scan tool can perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure in a few minutes to resolve this.
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No. This purchase does not require a core return. You can keep your original module.