Tired of Unpredictable Electrical Problems in Your GM Truck?
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your Sierra, Silverado, or Tahoe, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is the likely culprit. As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen how a faulty BCM can turn a reliable truck into a source of constant frustration. It’s the central hub for your vehicle’s comfort and security features, and when it fails, it can create a cascade of problems that seem unrelated. This VIN-programmed BCM, part number 15901388, is the definitive solution to restore your truck’s proper function and your peace of mind.
Is Your GM Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing BCM doesn’t always trigger a check engine light. Instead, it manifests as a series of maddening glitches. Here’s what to look for:
- ✔ HVAC system inoperative or blower motor working intermittently.
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights failing to work or acting erratically.
- ✔ The security system engaging randomly, causing a no-start condition or stalling.
- ✔ An active airbag warning light on the dash, often with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) like B1001.
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain or issues with grounding circuits.
- ✔ A cluster of communication codes (U-codes) stored in various modules.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Haunted Silverado
A customer brought in a 2012 Silverado 1500 with a classic BCM failure story. The radio would shut off, the A/C would blow warm, and the door locks would cycle on their own. He was convinced the truck was possessed. After confirming the BCM was faulty, we installed a new programmed unit. During the install, I did my standard check of the main ground points near the driver-side kick panel—a common weak spot on these platforms. Sure enough, the main G218 ground was slightly loose. We tightened it down before connecting the new BCM. This simple check ensures the new module has a clean ground path, preventing a repeat failure. It’s a five-second check that saves a massive headache down the road.
The Smart Solution: A Pre-Programmed Module
Forget about scheduling a costly appointment at the dealership. We handle the complex programming for you. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and we will flash this module with the latest GM software specific to your truck. This ensures that your new 2011 Sierra Denali 3500 BCM integrates seamlessly with your vehicle’s existing systems right out of the box. It’s a true plug-and-play fix that gets you back on the road without the dealership hassle.
Your 5-Minute BCM Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronics.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On most GM trucks and SUVs from this era, the BCM is located under the driver-side dashboard, near the steering column. It’s a black box with several large electrical connectors.
- ✔ Swap the Module: Carefully unplug the connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle. Unbolt or unclip the old module and install the new one in its place.
- ✔ Connect and Test: Securely plug all connectors into your new BCM. Reconnect the battery terminal and start the vehicle. Test all functions like lights, locks, windows, and HVAC to confirm the repair.
- ✔ Post-Install Check: If the airbag light remains on (a common occurrence), a “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure is required. This must be done with a bi-directional scan tool and syncs the new BCM with the airbag system. This is not a defect, but a required security handshake between modules.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Truck or SUV
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15901388 and other interchangeable numbers on a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and year below.
AVALANCHE 1500 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
AVALANCHE 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
AVALANCHE 1500 11 Body Control (BCM)
ESCALADE 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
ESCALADE 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE ESV 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE ESV 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
ESCALADE ESV 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE EXT 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE EXT 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
ESCALADE EXT 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 10-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA DENALI 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 08-10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 2500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 2500 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA DENALI 3500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 3500 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SUBURBAN 1500 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SUBURBAN 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 2500 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 2500 10 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 2500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
TAHOE 07 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
TAHOE 08 Body Control (BCM)
TAHOE 09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
TAHOE 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON 07 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON 09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
YUKON 11 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON XL 1500 07-09 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON XL 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
YUKON XL 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON XL 2500 07-08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON XL 2500 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
This module also interchanges with the following part numbers: 25835966, 15263363, 15263497, 15878753, 15284816, 15943678, 15926094, 15940214, 25790508, 25790509, 25823558, 25823559, 25835965, 25844479, 25971916, 25971917, 20939137, 20939138, 22860591.
Order your new 2011 Sierra Denali 3500 BCM today and put an end to the electrical guesswork for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a dealership program this BCM?
No. We pre-program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before shipping. It arrives ready for installation, saving you time and money.
What tools are required for installation?
Basic hand tools, like a socket or screwdriver, are all that’s needed for the physical swap. However, if your airbag light is on after installation, you will need a professional-grade scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep or dispose of your old module without any hassle.
Will this fix my airbag warning light?
This module will resolve the fault if the BCM is the source of the airbag code (like B1001). After installation, the BCM and SDM (airbag module) must be synced using a scan tool to turn the light off, which is a standard procedure for this repair.
What kind of warranty is included?
This Body Control Module is backed by our one-year warranty, giving you confidence in the quality and durability of your repair.