Restore Full Electrical Control to Your GM Vehicle
If you’re dealing with baffling electrical issues in your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 3500 or another compatible GM vehicle, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is often the culprit. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a bad BCM can turn a reliable workhorse into a source of constant frustration. It’s the central command for your vehicle’s comfort and security features—from power locks and windows to the interior lights and anti-theft system. When it fails, it can create a cascade of unpredictable problems.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the hassle and expense out of the repair by programming this BCM specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ships. You get the latest GM software updates without ever stepping foot in a dealership. This ensures all your vehicle’s original features work exactly as they should from the moment you plug it in.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in his 2011 Express work van with a list of bizarre symptoms: the dome light wouldn’t turn off, the driver’s side power window worked intermittently, and occasionally, the van wouldn’t start, showing a security light on the dash. He’d already replaced the battery and checked fuses. After hooking up the scan tool, I noticed communication errors with multiple accessory systems, all pointing back to one component. We traced it to a BCM that had suffered internal corrosion from a minor windshield leak. Swapping in a pre-programmed Savana 3500 Body Control Module like this one solved every single issue in under an hour. It’s a common failure point, and this is the definitive fix.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These BCM Failure Signs?
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on, flickering, or not working.
- ✔ The security system engaging randomly, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- ✔ Inaccurate or non-functional gauges on the instrument cluster.
- ✔ Warning lights (like the airbag light) appearing on the dash after other issues are fixed.
- ✔ Remote keyless entry failing to respond.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new BCM is a manageable job for a DIY enthusiast or a quick task for any professional. For the Savana/Express vans, the BCM is typically located in the center dash area.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Locate the BCM: Access the BCM by removing the necessary dash trim panels. On vans, it’s often behind the lower center dash or glove box. On other models, it may be under the steering column or on the driver’s side kick panel.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that must be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module and remove it.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Final Steps & Re-Learn Procedures: Reconnect the battery terminal. Follow the critical post-installation steps below to ensure full system functionality.
Important Post-Installation Procedures
After installing your new Savana 3500 Body Control Module, a few final steps are required to sync the new module with other vehicle systems. This is critical for safety and performance.
- Airbag System Reset: To clear the airbag warning light, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed. This requires a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool. This procedure re-establishes the security handshake between the BCM and the airbag system’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Relearn: Some vehicles will require a recalibration of the brake pedal position sensor. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems receive accurate data from the pedal. This is also performed with a capable scan tool.
Note: While this BCM is pre-programmed for your vehicle’s options, these specific relearn procedures are a necessary part of the physical installation process. If you are not equipped to perform them, we recommend seeking assistance from a qualified local mechanic.
Verified Fitment for a Wide Range of GM Vehicles
This module is a direct replacement for a variety of part numbers and fits numerous GM cars, trucks, and SUVs. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. This unit 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming myself?
No. We handle all the programming for you before shipment. Simply provide us with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN during or after checkout, and we will flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your vehicle’s build.
Where do I find my VIN?
Your VIN can be found on your vehicle’s registration, insurance card, or on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Is this a simple plug-and-play part?
It is plug-and-play in the sense that the core software is already loaded. However, as noted above, you will need to perform security/system relearn procedures for things like the airbag and brake pedal sensor with a proper scan tool for full functionality.
Will this fix my ‘Service Airbag’ light?
If the airbag light is on due to a communication fault with a bad BCM, this will resolve the root cause. However, you must still perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure with a scan tool to clear the light after installation.
What happens if I don’t provide my VIN?
We cannot ship the module without your VIN. The programming is essential for the part to function correctly in your vehicle. We will contact you after your purchase to ensure we get the required information.
Is this compatible with my 2010 Savana 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax?
Yes, this BCM is compatible. Our VIN-specific programming ensures it will be correctly configured for your exact engine and options, including the 6.6L diesel (VIN 6, opt LMM) and other gas engines like the 4.8L and 6.0L.