Restore Your Truck’s Brainpower and End Electrical Headaches
Is your 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 acting possessed? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, a security system that won’t cooperate, or random warning lights on the dash are classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central command center for your truck’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can cause a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated issues. I’ve seen it hundreds of times in my shop: a customer comes in thinking they have a bad battery or alternator, but the real culprit is a BCM causing a parasitic drain. This isn’t just an annoyance; it can affect vehicle safety and leave you stranded.
This replacement Body Control Module is the definitive solution. It’s not just a part in a box; it’s a complete fix. We flash it with the latest official GM software specifically for your truck using the VIN you provide. This means it arrives at your door ready for installation, saving you the time, cost, and hassle of a dealership visit for programming. You’re getting a reliable part that restores function and peace of mind, all without a core charge—you can keep your old module.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Battery Drain
A customer brought in his 2010 Tahoe (which uses a similar BCM) complaining of a dead battery every two or three days. He’d already replaced the battery and the alternator. After hooking up my multimeter for a parasitic draw test, I saw a significant amp draw that wouldn’t go away. By pulling fuses one by one, I isolated the draw to the BCM circuit. The internal components of the module were failing to go into ‘sleep’ mode, constantly drawing power. Installing a new, properly programmed BCM didn’t just fix the weird electrical glitches he’d learned to live with; it solved the root problem and saved him from needing another new battery.
Is Your Truck Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Unpredictable power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft system acts up, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- ✔ Warning lights for the airbag, ABS, or traction control system are illuminated.
- ✔ The instrument cluster gauges behave erratically or don’t work at all.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140, are present when scanned.
- ✔ A persistent battery drain that occurs even when the vehicle is off.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
For the confident DIYer, replacing the BCM is a manageable job. In the 2010 Avalanche, it’s typically located under the steering column, making access relatively easy.
- 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: On your Avalanche, look for a plastic module with several large electrical connectors under the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all wiring harnesses. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Seat the new, pre-programmed BCM onto the mounting bracket and secure it. Reconnect all wiring harnesses, ensuring each one clicks firmly into place.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may need to sit for a few minutes for all modules to initialize.
- Post-Installation Checks: Start the vehicle and verify that all body functions (lights, locks, windows) are working correctly. Note the post-install procedures below.
Important Notes After Installation
While our VIN-programming handles the heavy lifting, some systems may require a final handshake. These procedures typically require a bi-directional scan tool.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after the swap, a professional will need to perform the “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure to sync the modules. This is a crucial safety step.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be needed to ensure your brake lights and stability control systems function as intended.
Verified Fitment Across the GM Family
This BCM is a direct replacement for part number 25826124 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles. It also interchanges with 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, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, and 95151084. Please verify your part number or consult the detailed fitment list below.
ACADIA 07-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
CAPRICE 11-13 Body Control (BCM)
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash), ID 20921435, 20921436, or 22860591
CTS 08-13 Body Control (BCM); LH dash or RH dash
DTS 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (RH center dash)
ENCLAVE 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
EQUINOX 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
EXPRESS/SAVANA VANS 08-12 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
G8 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
HUMMER H2 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (LH firewall)
IMPALA 06-13 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
LUCERNE 06-11 Body Control (BCM); (right side dash)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Body Control (BCM); (LH steering column)
OUTLOOK 07-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
SRX 07-09 Body Control (BCM); LH dash
STS 10 Body Control (BCM); center dash
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
TORRENT 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
TRAVERSE 09-12 Body Control (BCM); (LH dash)
VUE 08-10 Body Control (BCM); (center dash)
YUKON / YUKON XL 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, absolutely. Providing your VIN is the most critical step. We use it to load the precise software and vehicle-specific options for your 2010 Avalanche 1500. This ensures the module communicates correctly with your truck’s other systems, like the engine computer and instrument cluster, right out of the box.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to replace?
For someone with basic mechanical skills and tools, this is a very manageable repair. The BCM is usually accessible under the driver’s side dash. The main challenge is carefully releasing the plastic clips on the wiring harnesses without breaking them. Our pre-programming service eliminates the most difficult part: the software setup.
What happens if I don’t do the airbag or brake relearn procedures?
These procedures are only needed if a related warning light stays on after installation. If the airbag light is on, the system will not deploy in an accident. If the brake pedal position isn’t learned, it can affect traction control and ABS functionality. We strongly recommend having these performed by a shop with the right equipment if the lights appear.
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No. This product comes with absolutely no core charge. You can keep your original module, which can be helpful for double-checking part numbers or for your own records.