Restore Your Traverse’s Electrical System with a Reliable BCM
Are you chasing down bizarre electrical gremlins in your 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse? One minute the power windows don’t work, the next the radio acts up, or you’re dealing with a security light that won’t turn off. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues hundreds of times. More often than not, the culprit is a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take a high-quality BCM and program it specifically to your vehicle’s VIN before it ever leaves our facility. This means it arrives loaded with the latest GM software updates, ensuring optimal performance and communication with your vehicle’s other modules. You get a part that restores function and reliability without the exorbitant costs and scheduling hassles of a dealership visit.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in their 2011 Traverse with a frustrating complaint: a parasitic battery drain nobody could find. The battery would be dead every two or three days. They had already replaced the battery and alternator. After connecting my diagnostic scanner, I noticed no hard fault codes, but I saw that the BCM wasn’t allowing certain networks to go to ‘sleep’ after the key was off. This internal BCM failure kept systems awake, slowly draining the battery overnight. Installing a VIN-programmed BCM like this one solved the drain and got the family safely back on the road.
Is Your Traverse Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security system light is illuminated, and the vehicle may not start.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from the radio, climate controls, or instrument cluster gauges.
- ✔ A persistent parasitic battery drain that kills your battery overnight.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-codes, stored in the system.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2009-2012 Traverse Body Control Module is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. The BCM is typically located on the left (driver’s) side of the dash. Follow these general steps:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes before beginning work.
- Locate the BCM: On the Traverse, you’ll usually find the BCM under the driver’s side of the dashboard, often near the steering column or kick panel. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully unplug all the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs, so be gentle and use a small flathead screwdriver to depress the tabs if needed. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and secure it.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug all the electrical connectors back into the new module. They are often color-coded or uniquely shaped, so they should only fit in their correct positions.
- Power Up: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all functions: lights, locks, windows, radio, etc.
Important Post-Installation Information
While this BCM is programmed for your VIN, some vehicle systems may require a ‘handshake’ procedure after installation. Please be aware of the following:
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional-grade scan tool to sync the new BCM with the airbag module.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: Some models may require a brake pedal position sensor relearn to ensure proper brake light and traction control operation. This can also be performed with a capable scan tool.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. For procedures specific to your exact model, consulting a factory service manual or a certified technician is always the best practice.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and part numbers. Please verify that your vehicle is on this list and that the part number on your original module is listed below. This part fits the 2009-2012 Traverse with the BCM located on the left-hand side of the dash. It also fits many other models, including:
This module replaces the following 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 send my old BCM back?
No, there is absolutely no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills and tools, it’s a very manageable job. The main challenge is typically accessing the module under the dashboard. Our pre-programming saves you the most complex step.
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ mean?
It means we load the module with your vehicle’s specific software and settings using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures it works correctly with the features and options your Traverse was built with.
Will this fix my ‘Service StabiliTrak’ message?
While a faulty BCM can contribute to StabiliTrak issues, this message can also be caused by other components like wheel speed sensors or the steering angle sensor. A proper diagnosis is recommended, but if your BCM is confirmed to be the cause, this part will resolve the issue.
What information do you need from me?
After you complete your purchase, we simply need you to provide your 17-digit VIN. We cannot program and ship your BCM without it.