Restore Your Van’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
If your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 1500 is plagued by strange electrical issues like malfunctioning lights, erratic gauges, or power windows that have a mind of their own, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is the likely culprit. As the central nervous system for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can bring your work day to a grinding halt. This isn’t just an inconvenience; for a workhorse like the Savana, downtime is lost income. This replacement BCM, part number 15948439, is the reliable, straightforward fix you need.
We take the guesswork and extra expense out of the repair. Unlike a generic module from a parts store or a risky pull from a junkyard, we program this BCM specifically for your van using your VIN. This means it arrives ready for installation, loaded with the latest GM software updates to ensure optimal performance and communication with your van’s other modules. You get a direct-fit part that restores factory functionality without the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Contractor’s Van
I remember a plumbing contractor who brought his ’11 Savana 1500 into the shop. His complaint was a laundry list of electrical gremlins: the dome light wouldn’t turn off, the radio display was flickering, and his power door locks worked intermittently. He’d already lost two days of work trying to chase down the problem. After checking the basics, my scan tool pointed to communication errors with the BCM (U-codes). We swapped in a pre-programmed 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM, and within an hour, every single issue was resolved. He was back on the road to his next job, relieved to have his reliable work van back.
Common Signs of a Failing Savana BCM
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors not working or operating erratically.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on or not turning on at all.
- ✔ The security system acting up, or the van not starting due to a key recognition issue.
- ✔ Warning lights on the dashboard (like the airbag or ABS light) illuminating for no reason.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication loss, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-codes.
- ✔ Gauges on the instrument cluster behaving erratically or not working.
Get Your Savana Back to Work: Installation Steps
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. In most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located behind the center dash panel.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes to allow all modules to power down completely.
- Access the BCM: Carefully remove the trim panels around the center dash and radio to gain access to the BCM. It’s typically a black plastic box with several large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Photograph the connector positions if needed. Carefully release the locking tabs on each electrical connector and unplug them from the old BCM. Then, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket and remove it.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely 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, etc.—to confirm the repair.
- Perform Relearns (If Needed): In some cases, you may need to perform additional procedures. If the airbag light is on, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure is required. A ‘Brake Pedal Position Relearn’ might also be necessary. These often require a professional-grade scan tool.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This BCM is a direct replacement for part number 15948439 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles. While this listing is focused on the 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM, it also fits other models. Please verify your original part number or consult the list below. It is a compatible replacement for the following part numbers: 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15299986, 15819552, 15828601, 15837419, 15872388, 15872421, 15880684, 15921352, 15921353, 15948438, 20815898, 20839063, 20864767, 20864768, 20921435, 20921436, 20935349, 22860591, 25826124, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, and 95151084.
Partial Fitment List:
- 2008-2012 GMC Savana 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
- 2008-2012 Chevrolet Express 1500 / 2500 / 3500 Van
- 2007-2012 GMC Acadia
- 2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala
- 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban 1500
- 2010 GMC Yukon & Yukon XL 1500
- 2010 Cadillac Escalade / ESV / EXT
- …and many other GM models. Please match your part number to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to send you my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module.
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
After you complete your purchase, simply send us a message with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship the module until we receive this information.
Is this BCM difficult to install?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, it’s a straightforward process. The main challenge is accessing the module behind the dash. No special programming tools are needed on your end since we handle that before shipping.
What if my airbag light comes on after installation?
This can happen occasionally. It means the new BCM needs to be synced with the airbag system (SDM). This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure, which must be done with a professional bidirectional scan tool.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This module will resolve issues directly caused by a faulty BCM. While the symptoms listed are common, proper vehicle diagnosis is always recommended to confirm the BCM is the root cause before ordering.