Is Your Vehicle Plagued by Electrical Gremlins?
Are you dealing with bizarre electrical issues like flickering dashboard lights, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security system that randomly activates? These frustrating problems often point to a single culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM acts as the central nervous system for your vehicle’s body electronics, controlling everything from interior lighting and power locks to the anti-theft system. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of unpredictable and annoying issues that can be difficult to diagnose.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2011 Impala in the shop with a classic ‘ghost’ problem. The owner complained of a dead battery every few days. We checked the battery and alternator, and both tested perfectly. After some deep diagnostic work, we traced the parasitic draw to the BCM, which was failing to let the interior courtesy light circuit go to sleep after the car was turned off. It was a tiny internal fault causing a major headache. Replacing it with a VIN-programmed BCM like this one resolved the issue completely, saving the customer from further frustration and the cost of a new battery.
Common Symptoms of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from interior or exterior lights (flickering, staying on, or not turning on).
- ✔ Malfunctioning HVAC climate controls.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light stays illuminated, preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working at all.
- ✔ Unexplained parasitic battery drain that kills your battery overnight.
- ✔ False warnings or error messages on the instrument cluster.
The Plug-and-Programmed Solution for Your 2012 Captiva Sport Body Control Module
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We remove the biggest obstacle to BCM replacement: the need for expensive dealership programming. Before we ship this module to you, our experts will program it with the latest GM software updates using the specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from your 2012 Captiva Sport. This ensures that the module communicates flawlessly with your vehicle’s other electronic systems right out of the box. This critical programming step restores full functionality and helps you avoid compatibility issues that plague non-programmed modules.
Installation and Post-Install Considerations
Replacing the BCM is generally a straightforward process for a knowledgeable DIYer or any professional mechanic. After installation, while many features will work immediately, some vehicles may require simple relearn procedures to sync all systems perfectly. Please review the following potential requirements:
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a professional scan tool. This is only needed if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: A brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary on some models to ensure correct brake light operation and traction control performance.
Disclaimer: Specific procedures can vary by vehicle. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for guidance.
Guaranteed Fitment & No Core Charge
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for part number 20815898 and a wide range of other interchangeable part numbers. We’ve made the process as simple as possible—there is no core charge on this part. You don’t need to worry about the cost or hassle of sending your old, faulty module back to us. Please see the extensive list below to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), 6.0L
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), 6.6L, VIN 6 (8th digit, opt LMM)
IMPALA 06-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), 4.8L
ACADIA 07-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Body Control (BCM); (LH steering column)
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
TRAVERSE 09-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
YUKON 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
SAVANA 2500 VAN 11-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
YUKON XL 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), ID 20921435
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), ID 22860591
DTS 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (RH center dash)
OUTLOOK 07-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
ESCALADE EXT 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 11-12 Body Control (BCM)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
STS 10 Body Control (BCM); center dash
TORRENT 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
CTS 08-13 Body Control (BCM); LH dash
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), ID 20921436
G8 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
IMPALA 13 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash), ID 22820315
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
AVALANCHE 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
YUKON 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
ESCALADE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
LUCERNE 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (right side dash)
ESCALADE ESV 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25892622
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
ESCALADE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
SRX 07-09 Body Control (BCM); LH dash
ESCALADE ESV 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 11-12 Body Control (BCM)
HUMMER H2 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (LH firewall)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 11-12 Body Control (BCM)
VUE 08-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
CAPRICE 11-13 Body Control (BCM)
ENCLAVE 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Body Control Module do?
The BCM is a computer that manages and controls many of your vehicle’s non-engine related functions. This includes power windows, power locks, interior and exterior lighting, the security system, wipers, and climate controls. It acts as a central hub for these systems.
What happens after I place my order?
After you complete your purchase, you will need to provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will use this number to program the BCM with the correct software and vehicle-specific settings before it is shipped to you.
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No. This part has no core charge. You can keep your original module without any extra fees or hassle, making the replacement process faster and more convenient for you.
Is this BCM difficult to install?
For someone with automotive repair experience, the physical installation is typically not difficult. It usually involves removing a few dash panels to access the module, disconnecting the battery, and swapping the electrical connectors. The most complex part, programming, is already done for you.
Will this fix my specific electrical problem?
While this module is the solution for a wide range of common electrical faults, proper diagnosis is key. If your vehicle exhibits multiple symptoms from the list above, there is a very high probability that the BCM is the root cause. However, we always recommend confirming the diagnosis before ordering.