Restore Your Vehicle’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play BCM
Is your 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice experiencing a bizarre set of electrical problems? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, a security system that acts up, or even a car that refuses to start can all point to one culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central computer for your vehicle’s body electronics, when the BCM goes bad, it can create a cascade of frustrating and unpredictable issues. This isn’t just an annoyance; it can be a serious reliability concern.
We offer a straightforward and dependable solution. This replacement Body Control Module, compatible with part number 20921436, is prepared for your vehicle through our professional cloning service. This means we transfer the exact configuration, security, and key data from your original BCM to this new unit. The result is a true plug-and-play module, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming dealership programming. Just provide your VIN at checkout for verification, send us your original module, and we’ll ship both back to you, with the replacement ready for installation.
Key Symptoms of a Failing BCM
If you’re a professional technician or a hands-on DIYer, you know that proper diagnosis is key. A failing BCM often presents a cluster of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Here’s what to look for:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security system or alarm randomly activates or prevents the car from starting.
- ✔ Instrument cluster gauges behaving erratically or not working at all.
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain that leaves you with a dead battery overnight.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication loss, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-codes, indicating a network problem originating from the BCM.
Case Study: The Ghost in the Machine
A few months back, a 2012 Caprice PPV came into my bay with a list of electrical gremlins that had the owner at his wit’s end. The dome light would stay on, the driver’s side window worked intermittently, and the horn would chirp randomly. The owner had already replaced the battery twice. My first step, as always, was to check the basics: battery connections, main grounds, and for any signs of water intrusion near the fuse box. Everything looked clean. Hooking up the scan tool, I found a slew of ‘Lost Communication with BCM’ codes. This confirmed my suspicion. The BCM wasn’t just failing; it was disrupting the entire vehicle network. After swapping in a cloned module like this one, every single issue vanished. It’s a perfect example of how one component can cause system-wide chaos, and why a reliable, correctly programmed replacement is the only real fix.
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Swap
Replacing the BCM is a manageable job for someone with basic mechanical skills. Following these steps will ensure a smooth process.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2011-2013 Caprice, the Body Control Module is typically located in the cabin, often behind a kick panel or under the dashboard. Consult a service manual for the precise location on your specific vehicle.
- 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 module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New Module: Mount the replacement BCM onto the bracket and securely reconnect all the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Test Functionality: Start the vehicle and test all the components controlled by the BCM: lights, windows, locks, horn, and wipers to ensure everything is working correctly.
Important Post-Installation Notes
In some cases, additional steps known as ‘relearn procedures’ may be required after installation. This is normal and ensures all related vehicle systems communicate correctly with the new BCM.
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after the swap, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the airbag system with the new BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure proper brake light and traction control operation, a brake pedal position sensor relearn might be necessary on certain models.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM is a direct replacement for part number 20921436 and other part numbers listed below. It fits a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your part number and model before ordering.
ACADIA 07-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
AVALANCHE 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), ID 20921435, 20921436, or 22860591
CTS 08-13 Body Control (BCM); LH dash
DTS 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (RH center dash)
ENCLAVE 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
EQUINOX 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
ESCALADE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
ESCALADE ESV 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
ESCALADE EXT 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM)
G8 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
HUMMER H2 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (LH firewall)
IMPALA 06-13 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
LUCERNE 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (right side dash)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Body Control (BCM); (LH steering column)
OUTLOOK 07-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM)
SRX 07-09 Body Control (BCM); LH dash
STS 10 Body Control (BCM); center dash
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TORRENT 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
TRAVERSE 09-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
VUE 08-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
YUKON 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
YUKON XL 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, you will ship your original BCM to us. We use specialized equipment to read the unique vehicle data (including VIN, security info, and options) from your module and write it directly onto the replacement unit. We then ship both your original module and the ready-to-install replacement back to you.
Why do you need my VIN if you’re cloning my module?
We use your VIN primarily for order verification and to ensure the hardware of the replacement BCM is a perfect match for your vehicle’s factory build, guaranteeing compatibility before the cloning process even begins.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
Yes, because we clone your original module’s data, the replacement BCM is plug-and-play. It requires no further programming from a dealer. In some rare cases, a simple relearn procedure (like for the brake pedal position sensor) may be needed, which can often be done without special tools.
What happens if my original BCM is completely dead or unreadable?
In cases where the original module cannot be read due to severe damage (fire, water, etc.), we can often perform a VIN-based programming service. Please contact us before ordering if you suspect your module is unreadable.
Do I need to get my keys reprogrammed?
No. Because we are cloning all data from your original BCM, the replacement module will already recognize your existing keys. You will not need to perform a key relearn or have new keys made.