Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins in Your Savana Van?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to perplexing electrical issues. Your 2008-2012 GMC Savana or Chevy Express van is a workhorse, but when the Body Control Module (BCM) starts to fail, it can feel like the vehicle is haunted. You might be dealing with flickering interior or exterior lights, power windows and locks that have a mind of their own, or a battery that drains overnight for no apparent reason. These aren’t separate problems; they’re classic symptoms of a dying BCM, the central hub for your van’s body electronics.
This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can affect your work and your safety. A faulty BCM can compromise everything from your security system to your brake light operation. The good news is, you don’t need an expensive trip to the dealership. We offer a reliable, direct-fit solution: a replacement BCM, part number 25847588, that arrives at your door programmed and ready for installation.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Phantom Battery Drain
A commercial client brought in their 2011 Savana 2500, frustrated with a battery that died every two days. They had already replaced the battery and alternator. After hooking up my multimeter for a parasitic draw test, I saw a significant amp draw even after the van was off for 30 minutes. By pulling fuses one by one, I isolated the draw to the BCM circuit. The internal relays in the original BCM were sticking, keeping certain modules awake long after the key was off. Installing a VIN-programmed BCM like this one solved the issue instantly. It’s a common failure I’ve diagnosed on hundreds of these GM vans and trucks.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing BCM can cause a wide array of issues. If your van is experiencing any of the following, a faulty BCM is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior dome lights or dashboard lights flickering or staying on.
- ✔ The security system acting erratically or preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain that leaves you with a dead battery.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140, stored in the system.
- ✔ Inconsistent operation of heating and A/C blower motor controls.
- ✔ Horn not working or sounding off randomly.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Replacing the BCM on your Savana or Express van is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. Our pre-programmed module saves you the biggest headache. Here’s a general guide:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait about 10-15 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge.
- Locate the BCM: On most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located in the center dash area, often behind the lower instrument panel or glove box. You may need to remove some trim panels to access it.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all the electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all body functions: lights, locks, windows, radio, and wipers.
Important Post-Installation Note: In some cases, additional steps may be needed. If your airbag light is on, a professional scan tool is required to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. Similarly, a ‘Brake Pedal Position Relearn’ might be necessary. Always consult a factory service manual for instructions specific to your vehicle.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and supersedes many part numbers. We guarantee compatibility if your vehicle is listed below. To ensure a perfect match, we program the module using your VIN.
This module is a confirmed fit for the following and 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.
Key Applications Include:
- 2008-2012 Savana 1500 Van
- 2008-2012 Express 1500 Van
- 2008-2012 Savana 2500 / 3500 Van
- 2008-2012 Express 2500 / 3500 Van
- 2007-2012 Acadia
- 2010 Avalanche 1500
- 2006-2013 Impala
- 2010 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade
- …and many other GM models from 2006-2013. Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No, there is absolutely no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module.
How do you program the module to my van?
After you place your order, you will need to provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We use this to load the latest GM-certified software specific to your vehicle’s configuration before we ship it.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, it’s very manageable. The most important part—the programming—is already done for you. The main task is accessing the module and swapping the electrical connectors.
What happens if my airbag light comes on after installation?
This is a known possibility. It means the new BCM needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the airbag system’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). A repair shop with a high-end scan tool can perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure in a few minutes to resolve this.
Will this fix my ‘Service StabiliTrak’ message?
It can. The BCM communicates with the traction control system. If a faulty BCM is causing issues with the brake pedal position sensor data, it can trigger StabiliTrak warnings. A Brake Pedal Position Relearn may be required after installation.
Is this a new or used part?
This is a high-quality, tested replacement part, guaranteed to function correctly. It is loaded with new, vehicle-specific software directly from GM’s databases.