Restore Full Functionality to Your GM Vehicle
Are you dealing with baffling electrical issues in your Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC? Flickering lights, power windows with a mind of their own, a security system that prevents your car from starting, or random warning lights on the dash are all classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it starts to go, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and unpredictable problems. Don’t let these electrical gremlins take over your driving experience. This is the direct, reliable solution to get your vehicle back to 100%.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the biggest headache out of the repair process: programming. Simply provide your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, and our technicians will flash this BCM with the latest, most stable software directly from GM. This ensures perfect compatibility and function right out of the box, saving you from a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming services. Restore your vehicle’s performance and peace of mind with a part you can trust.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Drain
I had a 2011 Cadillac CTS in the bay that was killing batteries overnight. The owner had already replaced the battery twice. A parasitic draw test showed a significant current pull, but pulling fuses was inconclusive. After connecting my scan tool, I noticed the BCM wasn’t going to ‘sleep’ and kept sending wake-up signals to other modules. It was a classic case of internal BCM failure. We replaced it with a VIN-programmed unit like this one, and the draw disappeared instantly. These symptoms often don’t throw a check engine light, making a proper diagnosis key. A failing BCM is a common culprit for these hard-to-trace electrical issues.
Common Signs of a Failing GM BCM
If your vehicle is exhibiting any of these symptoms, a faulty Body Control Module is a likely cause. Replacing your failing unit with this pre-programmed module can resolve these issues:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light stays on, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Inaccurate or erratic gauge readings on the instrument cluster.
- ✔ The key fob works unreliably or not at all.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140, indicating the BCM is not communicating with other modules.
- ✔ A persistent parasitic battery drain that kills the battery when the vehicle is off.
- ✔ Horn sounding at random times or not working when pressed.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2008-2013 CTS Body Control Module is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. Since we handle the programming, you can focus on the physical swap. For the Cadillac CTS, the BCM is typically located in the driver’s side dash area.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to allow all systems to discharge.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2008-2013 CTS, you’ll typically find the BCM on the left-hand (driver’s) side of the dash, sometimes behind a lower trim panel or near the steering column.
- Remove Trim Panels: Carefully remove any plastic trim panels necessary to gain clear access to the module. Use a trim removal tool to avoid scratching or breaking clips.
- Disconnect and Remove: Unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that must be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module from its mounting bracket and remove it.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and reconnect all the electrical harnesses securely. Ensure they click into place.
- Post-Installation Procedures: Re-install any trim panels and reconnect the battery terminal. Crucially, you must now perform the necessary recalibration steps.
IMPORTANT: Post-Installation Steps Required!
After installing your new BCM, two critical procedures are often required to ensure full system functionality and safety. These require a professional-grade bidirectional scan tool.
- Airbag System Reset: To clear the airbag warning light, you must perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This re-establishes the security handshake between the new BCM and the airbag system’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor (BPP) Relearn: Some vehicles require the Brake Pedal Position sensor to be recalibrated. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems receive accurate data from the new BCM.
If you are not equipped to perform these steps, we strongly recommend seeking assistance from a professional mechanic to complete the installation.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This BCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your original part number is on our cross-reference list and that your model and year are listed below. This module 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.
AVALANCHE 1500 10 (under steering column), ID 25892622
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 (center dash), ID 20921435, 20921436, or 22860591
CTS 08-13 (LH dash)
CTS 08 (RH dash)
DTS 06-11 (RH center dash)
ENCLAVE 08-12 (LH dash)
EQUINOX 07-09 (center dash)
ESCALADE 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
ESCALADE ESV 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
ESCALADE EXT 10 (under steering column), ID 25892622
EXPRESS 1500/2500/3500 VAN 08-12
G8 08-09 (center dash)
HUMMER H2 08-09 (LH firewall)
IMPALA 06-12 (LH dash)
IMPALA 13 (LH dash), ID 22820315
LUCERNE 06-11 (right side dash)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 (LH steering column)
OUTLOOK 07-10 (center dash)
SAVANA 1500/2500/3500 VAN 08-12
SRX 07-09 (LH dash)
STS 10 (center dash)
SUBURBAN 1500 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TAHOE 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TORRENT 07-09 (center dash)
TRAVERSE 09-12 (LH dash)
VUE 08-10 (center dash)
YUKON 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
YUKON XL 1500 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. The main benefit of our service is that we program the module to your car’s specific VIN before we ship it. It arrives ready for installation, saving you hundreds in dealership programming fees.
What information do you need from me?
After you place your order, you will need to provide us with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is essential for us to load the correct GM software for your vehicle’s specific options.
Will this fix my car’s security light and no-start problem?
In many cases, yes. A faulty BCM is a very common cause of an active security system that disables the starter. This part is designed to correct that communication failure.
What is a Body Control Module (BCM)?
The BCM acts as the brain for your vehicle’s interior and body-related electronics. It controls functions like power windows, locks, lights, wipers, the security system, and more.
What about the airbag light after installation?
As noted above, you MUST perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a compatible scan tool to clear the airbag light. This is a standard security step for this repair on all GM vehicles of this era.
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
For someone with moderate mechanical skill, it is a very manageable job. The most important part is having a bidirectional scan tool for the post-installation relearn procedures. If you don’t have one, a local shop can complete these final steps for you after you’ve installed the part.