Restore Your Van’s Electronics with a Reliable, Programmed BCM
If you’re dealing with baffling electrical issues in your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 1500, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is often the culprit. As the central command for your van’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can cause a cascade of problems that seem unrelated, making diagnosis a nightmare. From power windows that won’t budge to a security light that prevents your van from starting, these symptoms can bring your work or travels to a halt. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reliability issue you can’t afford.
We offer a dependable and straightforward solution. This Body Control Module is not just a replacement part; it’s a complete fix that arrives at your door ready for installation. We take care of the most critical step for you: programming. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, and our technicians will flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your Savana. This eliminates the need for an expensive trip to the dealership and complex programming procedures, getting you back on the road faster.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Work Van
A contractor brought in his ’11 Savana 1500 last month with a list of complaints that sounded like a poltergeist had taken up residence. The radio would turn on and off by itself, the dome lights flickered randomly, and occasionally, the van wouldn’t start, leaving him stranded at a job site. He’d already replaced the battery and checked the alternator. After hooking up my scan tool, I saw multiple communication loss codes with various modules. In my 20+ years of experience, this pattern almost always points to the BCM. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, and within an hour, every single electrical gremlin was gone. It’s a common failure, but with the right part, it’s a satisfyingly simple fix.
Is Your Savana Showing These Symptoms?
A failing BCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your BCM needs attention:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from the radio or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light stays on, causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., ‘Service 4WD’ on a 2WD vehicle).
- ✔ Communication errors when a diagnostic scan tool is connected.
- ✔ A battery that drains overnight for no apparent reason.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2008-2012 Savana 1500 BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. For the Savana, the BCM is typically located in the center dash area.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronic components.
- Access the Module: You will likely need to remove a few dash panels to gain access to the BCM. In the Savana, it’s often behind the glove box or lower center dash trim.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt the old BCM and remove it from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed BCM in place and securely plug in all the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Relearn Procedures: Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (without starting the engine) and let the vehicle sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the systems to sync. Follow the critical post-installation steps below.
Critical Post-Installation Steps
After installing your new BCM, a couple of final procedures are necessary to ensure full functionality and safety. These are not optional.
- Airbag System Reset: The airbag warning light will likely be on. You must perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure using a compatible bi-directional scan tool. This re-establishes communication between the new BCM and the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Relearn: Some vehicles require a recalibration of the brake pedal position sensor. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems function correctly. This is also done with a professional-grade scan tool.
If you are not equipped to perform these steps, a local qualified mechanic can complete them for you quickly.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This BCM, part number 95151084, is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and supersedes many older part numbers. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. This module is compatible with the following original 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, and 95151084.
- Acadia: 2007-2012
- Avalanche 1500: 2010
- Caprice: 2011-2013
- Captiva Sport: 2012
- CTS: 2008-2013
- DTS: 2006-2011
- Enclave: 2008-2012
- Equinox: 2007-2009
- Escalade, ESV, EXT: 2010
- Express 1500/2500/3500 Van: 2008-2012
- G8: 2008-2009
- Hummer H2: 2008-2009
- Impala: 2006-2013
- Lucerne: 2006-2011
- Monte Carlo: 2006-2007
- Outlook: 2007-2010
- Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van: 2008-2012
- SRX: 2007-2009
- STS: 2010
- Suburban 1500: 2010
- Tahoe: 2010
- Torrent: 2007-2009
- Traverse: 2009-2012
- Vue: 2008-2010
- Yukon / Yukon XL 1500: 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) allows us to program the BCM with the exact software and settings your specific vehicle requires. This ensures all features work correctly and makes the installation a plug-and-play process, saving you a trip to the dealer.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, replacing the BCM is very manageable. The main challenge is accessing it within the dash. The most important benefit we provide is the pre-programming, which handles the most complex part of the job for you.
Will this fix my ‘Security’ light issue?
Yes, a faulty BCM is one of the most common causes of a persistent security light and a no-start condition on these GM vehicles. A new, correctly programmed BCM will resolve this issue by properly communicating with your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
What tools are required for the post-installation relearn procedures?
The airbag system reset and brake pedal relearn require a professional-grade, bi-directional scan tool. Basic code readers cannot perform these functions. If you don’t have one, any competent local auto shop can perform these resets for you after you’ve installed the part.
Is this part new or used?
This is a high-quality, tested replacement part guaranteed to function like new. It is programmed with the latest stable software from GM for optimal performance and reliability.