Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins in Your Truck?
If your 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 is acting possessed—with flickering lights, a dead instrument cluster, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security light that prevents it from starting—you’ve likely met the frustrating reality of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the nerve center for your truck’s comfort and convenience features, when the BCM goes down, it can cause a cascade of bizarre, seemingly unrelated problems. This isn’t just an annoyance; it can affect vehicle security and safety systems.
This is a direct-fit, reliable solution. We take a quality-tested BCM and program it with the latest GM software updates specifically for your truck using the VIN you provide. This means it arrives at your door ready to be installed, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming. You get a fully functional component without the dealership price tag or hassle.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Tahoe
I remember a 2010 Tahoe (which uses the same platform as your Avalanche) that came into my bay with a laundry list of complaints from the owner. The radio would shut off randomly, the driver’s side power window wouldn’t work, and sometimes the truck wouldn’t start, showing only a flashing security light. The owner had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scan tool, I found a slew of ‘loss of communication’ codes (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. These modules, especially on this GM platform, are notorious for internal solder joint failures or logic board corruption over time. We installed a VIN-programmed 2010 Avalanche 1500 BCM, and every single electrical issue was resolved instantly. It’s a classic failure I’ve diagnosed hundreds of times.
Is Your Avalanche Exhibiting These Electrical Gremlins?
A failing BCM doesn’t always trigger a check engine light. Instead, watch for these common symptoms. If your truck is showing several of these signs, the BCM is the most likely culprit.
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on.
- ✔ The security system light is illuminated, causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ The radio or infotainment system randomly shuts off or acts erratically.
- ✔ Instrument panel gauges behaving strangely or going completely dead.
- ✔ Communication error codes stored in the system, such as U0140, U0155, or U0164.
- ✔ Key fobs stop working or work unreliably.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Replacing the BCM in your Avalanche is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. It’s typically located under the driver’s side of the dashboard, near the steering column. While specific steps can vary slightly, here is a general guide:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait about 15 minutes to allow all systems to power down completely.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2010 Avalanche, the BCM is mounted to a bracket under the driver-side dash, to the left of the steering column. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- Disconnect the Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs on the multiple electrical connectors plugged into the module. These connectors are color-coded and will only fit in their correct slots, so don’t worry about mixing them up.
- 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. Reconnect all the electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Reconnect the Battery: Re-attach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may need to sit with the key in the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes for the security system to relearn.
- Perform Post-Install Checks: Start the truck and test all functions: windows, locks, lights, radio, etc. Note the post-installation procedures below for potential extra steps.
Important Post-Installation Information
Because this BCM is pre-programmed, most of the hard work is done. However, depending on your vehicle’s specific configuration, a couple of simple relearn procedures may be needed:
- Airbag System Sync: In some cases, the airbag (SRS) warning light may illuminate after installation. This is because the BCM needs to be synced with the airbag’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). A professional scan tool is required to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function to clear this light.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly, a brake pedal position sensor relearn might be necessary. This procedure can often be done with a capable bidirectional scan tool.
Disclaimer: Always refer to a factory service manual for your specific vehicle for detailed instructions and torque specs. If you are not comfortable with this process, we recommend seeking a qualified technician.
Verified Fitment Across a Wide Range of GM Vehicles
This BCM is a direct replacement for a vast array of Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Saturn, and Hummer vehicles. Please verify your part number is on this list. 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.
Fits models such as Acadia, Caprice, Captiva Sport, CTS, DTS, Enclave, Equinox, Escalade, Express, G8, Hummer H2, Impala, Lucerne, Monte Carlo, Outlook, Savana, SRX, STS, Suburban, Tahoe, Torrent, Traverse, Vue, and Yukon. Please confirm your specific model, year, and options in the compatibility chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
After you complete your purchase, you will receive instructions on how to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. We cannot ship your order until we receive this information, as the programming is essential for the part to function.
Do I have to return my old BCM?
No. There is no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module, which can be helpful if you ever need to reference it.
Is this BCM truly plug-and-play?
It is about 95% plug-and-play. Because we pre-program it to your VIN, it will immediately communicate with your truck’s main systems. However, as noted above, minor relearn procedures for the airbag or brake pedal sensor may be required depending on your vehicle’s specific options.
My original BCM has a different part number, but it’s on your list. Will this work?
Yes. The long list of part numbers represents all the interchangeable units GM has used over the years for this BCM family. If your part number is on our list, this module is the correct, updated replacement for your vehicle.
Will this fix my truck’s no-start problem?
If your no-start issue is caused by the security system being activated by a faulty BCM (typically a flashing lock icon on the dash), then yes, this will resolve the problem. However, a no-start can have many causes, so proper diagnosis is always recommended.