Restore Your Van’s Electrical System and Get Back to Work
Is your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 3500 Van acting possessed? Flickering lights, a dead instrument cluster, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security light that won’t turn off are all classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central nervous system for your vehicle’s electronics, when the BCM goes down, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated problems. This isn’t just an annoyance; for a work van, it’s downtime that costs you money.
This is a direct-fit replacement Body Control Module, arriving at your door already programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). We handle the complex part, loading the latest GM software updates before we ship. This means you can skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. You get a reliable, plug-and-play solution designed to get your Savana 3500 back on the road and working as hard as you do.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Chaotic Work Van
A contractor brought his ’11 Savana 3500 into my bay last month with a laundry list of complaints. The radio would randomly shut off, the dome light stayed on, and sometimes the power door locks wouldn’t respond. He’d already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scan tool, I found a slew of communication errors (U-codes) pointing to a network problem. In my 20+ years of experience, these ghost-in-the-machine issues almost always lead back to one culprit: the BCM. A failing BCM can’t properly direct traffic on the vehicle’s data bus, leading to exactly this kind of electrical chaos. We swapped in a VIN-programmed module, and all the gremlins vanished instantly. It’s a fix I’ve performed hundreds of times on these workhorses.
Is Your Savana 3500 Showing These Symptoms?
A faulty BCM can manifest in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your Body Control Module needs replacement:
- âś” Erratic or non-functional interior/exterior lights
- âś” Power windows, locks, or mirrors not working correctly
- âś” The security or anti-theft system light is on, preventing the van from starting
- âś” Instrument panel gauges behaving strangely or not at all
- âś” Communication Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), such as U0100, U0140, or U0155
- âś” Intermittent issues that seem to have no logical cause
- âś” Wipers or radio turning on and off by themselves
Your Guide to a Straightforward Installation
Replacing the BCM in your Savana is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. Our pre-programming service eliminates the most difficult step. Follow this general guide for a successful installation:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: In most Savana and Express vans, the BCM is located behind the center dash panel, often near the fuse box or behind the radio. You may need to remove some trim panels to gain access.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all 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, etc.—to confirm the repair was successful.
- Post-Installation Checks: 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’ procedure. A ‘Brake Pedal Position Relearn’ might also be necessary for proper brake light and traction control function.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This Body Control Module 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 3500 Body Control Module, it also fits the following models. Please verify your original part number from the extensive list below to ensure perfect compatibility.
Interchangeable 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
Fits Models Including:
- GMC Savana / Chevrolet Express Vans (1500, 2500, 3500) – 2008-2012
- GMC Acadia – 2007-2012
- Chevrolet Traverse – 2009-2012
- Buick Enclave – 2008-2012
- Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon – 2010 (check ID)
- Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL – 2010 (check ID)
- Cadillac Escalade / ESV / EXT – 2010 (check ID)
- Chevrolet Impala – 2006-2013
- And many other GM cars, trucks, and SUVs. Always match your part number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming myself?
No. We program the module to your van’s VIN before shipping. It arrives ready for installation, saving you a trip to the dealer. Just provide your VIN at checkout.
Is there a core charge for my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your original module without needing to send it back.
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). A procedure called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ must be performed with a professional-grade diagnostic tool to resolve this.
How do I know if the BCM is really the problem?
Diagnosing a BCM requires checking for communication codes (U-codes) and ruling out simpler issues like fuses or wiring. The symptoms listed above, especially multiple, unrelated electrical problems, are strong indicators of a BCM failure.
Will this fix my ‘Service Theft System’ message?
Yes, in many cases a failing BCM is the root cause of anti-theft system issues, including no-start conditions. This VIN-programmed module restores proper communication with the security system.