Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins in Your GM Truck?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Body Control Module (BCM) can turn a reliable truck into a source of daily frustration. If your 2013 Sierra Denali 3500—or another compatible GM vehicle—is suffering from bizarre electrical issues, the BCM is the most likely culprit. This isn’t just a simple component; it’s the central nervous system for your truck’s cabin accessories. When it fails, it can manifest as one or more confusing symptoms that seem unrelated. This VIN-programmed BCM, part number 15901388 (interchangeable with 25844480 and others), is the definitive, hassle-free solution to restore your vehicle’s proper function and your peace of mind.
Is Your Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A faulty BCM can cause a cascade of problems. Before you spend hours checking fuses and wiring, see if your vehicle is exhibiting any of these classic symptoms. This module is designed to resolve them.
- âś” Your HVAC controls have a mind of their own, or the blower motor works only intermittently.
- âś” The dreaded airbag warning light is on, often accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1001.
- âś” You’re experiencing random electrical failures: power windows won’t move, door locks don’t respond, or interior/exterior lights act erratically.
- âś” The security system is malfunctioning, potentially causing no-start conditions, stalling, or misfires due to communication errors.
- âś” Your scanner is pulling up various body-related DTCs that point to a central electronic failure.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Sierra
I once had a 2011 Sierra 2500 in my bay that the owner swore was haunted. The dome lights would flicker, the radio would shut off randomly, and the A/C would quit on the hottest days. He’d already replaced the battery and checked the main grounds. After hooking up my scanner, I saw a dozen intermittent communication codes. While a bad ground can cause this, my experience pointed straight to the BCM. We swapped in a VIN-programmed module, and in less than 10 minutes, every single issue was gone. It’s a common failure point on these trucks, and this part is the fastest, most reliable fix.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best features of this module is that it’s designed for a quick, straightforward installation that you can do right in your driveway. No need to schedule a costly appointment with a dealership. We program it to your VIN, so it’s ready to go right out of the box.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On most of these GM trucks and SUVs, the BCM is located under the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the steering column. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be pressed. Once disconnected, unclip or unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed module in the same location and reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all functions—lights, windows, locks, wipers, and HVAC—to confirm the repair.
- Post-Install Note: In some cases, particularly if you had an airbag code like B1001, the airbag light may remain on. This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure using a bi-directional scan tool to sync the new BCM with the airbag system. This is a simple step for any professional shop or advanced DIYer.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your GM Truck or SUV
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and year below. This part is interchangeable with numerous part numbers, including 25835966, 15943678, 20939137, 22860591, and your specific part 15901388.
Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500/2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe
GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL
Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
(Please refer to the detailed fitment chart or contact us to confirm your specific vehicle.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take my truck to the dealer for programming?
Absolutely not. We pre-program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before shipping. This makes the installation plug-and-play, saving you time and the high cost of dealership programming.
What tools are required for the installation?
You’ll only need basic hand tools, typically a socket set or screwdriver, to remove the lower dash panel. The module itself usually unclips without tools. No special equipment is needed unless the post-install airbag light sync is required.
Is there a core charge for my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part or dispose of it without the hassle of sending it back to us.
My airbag light is on after installing the new BCM. Is the part defective?
No, this is a normal security procedure in some vehicles. You will need to have a technician with a professional scan tool perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function to sync the modules and turn off the light.
Will this part fix my stalling or no-start issue?
It can. The BCM is a critical part of the vehicle’s anti-theft and communication network. If it fails, it can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall. If your issues are combined with other electrical problems, a faulty BCM is a strong possibility.