Restore Your Caprice’s Electrical System with a Reliable, Programmed BCM
As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Body Control Module (BCM) can turn a perfectly good car into a source of daily frustration. The BCM is the central command for your vehicle’s body electronics—think power windows, door locks, interior and exterior lights, and even the security system. When it starts to fail in a 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice, the symptoms can be bizarre and intermittent, making diagnosis a real challenge for both owners and professional mechanics.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take the guesswork and the expensive trip to the dealership out of the equation. Each Body Control Module is meticulously programmed with the latest official GM software, specifically matched to your vehicle’s unique VIN. This ensures seamless communication between all your car’s systems right out of the box. You’re not just buying a part; you’re buying peace of mind and a permanent fix for those electrical gremlins.
A Technician’s Notebook
A customer brought in their 2012 Caprice last month with a list of complaints that seemed unrelated. The dome light would stay on, the driver’s side power window worked only when it wanted to, and occasionally the car wouldn’t recognize the key fob. They had already replaced the battery and checked fuses. After hooking up the scan tool, I noticed several ‘U’ codes (communication errors) pointing to a network issue. Experience told me to look at the central hub: the BCM. A faulty BCM can disrupt the entire data bus, causing these exact kinds of ‘ghost’ problems. We installed a VIN-programmed 2011-2013 Caprice BCM, performed the necessary relearn procedures, and all the issues vanished instantly. It’s a classic case of a single point of failure causing system-wide chaos.
Is Your Caprice Showing These Electrical Gremlins?
A faulty BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a failing Body Control Module is a likely culprit:
- ✔ Power windows or door locks behaving erratically or not working at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on, flickering, or failing to turn on.
- ✔ The security system acting up, or the vehicle not starting due to an anti-theft issue.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights appearing for no reason (especially communication-related ones).
- ✔ The horn honking unexpectedly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ Wipers or radio functioning intermittently.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new 2011-2013 Caprice BCM is a manageable task for a confident DIYer or a quick job for any professional. Since we program it beforehand, you skip the most complex step.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronic components.
- Locate the BCM: In the 2011-2013 Caprice, the Body Control Module is typically located in the passenger compartment, often under the dashboard. Consult a vehicle-specific repair manual for the exact position.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module and remove it.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location. Secure it and firmly reconnect all electrical connectors.
- Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Relearn Procedures: This is a critical final step. You must perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure with a compatible diagnostic tool to sync the airbag system. Additionally, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be required. Failure to do so can leave warning lights on and compromise system functionality.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This Body Control Module is a direct-fit, pre-programmed solution for the specified models. It is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles and supersedes numerous part numbers, ensuring you get the correct, updated component. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. This module is guaranteed to fit the following:
- CAPRICE 2011-2013
- ACADIA 07-12 (LH dash)
- AVALANCHE 1500 10 (under steering column), ID 25892622
- CAPTIVA SPORT 12 (center dash), ID 20921435, 20921436, or 22860591
- CTS 08-13 (LH or RH dash, check notes)
- DTS 06-11 (RH center dash)
- ENCLAVE 08-12 (LH dash)
- EQUINOX 07-09 (center dash)
- ESCALADE / ESV / EXT 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
- EXPRESS / SAVANA VANS 08-12 (various configurations, check notes)
- G8 08-09 (center dash)
- HUMMER H2 08-09 (LH firewall)
- IMPALA 06-13 (LH dash, check ID for 13)
- LUCERNE 06-11 (right side dash)
- MONTE CARLO 06-07 (LH steering column)
- OUTLOOK 07-10 (center dash)
- 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 / YUKON XL 1500 10 (under steering column), ID 20815898 or 25892622
This part 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
Why do you need my VIN?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is essential because it allows us to program the BCM with the exact software and vehicle-specific options your Caprice was built with. This ensures all features work correctly and prevents compatibility issues, saving you a costly trip to the dealer for programming.
Is this part difficult to install?
The physical replacement is straightforward for someone with basic mechanical skills. It involves locating the module, swapping connectors, and securing it. The most critical part is performing the post-installation relearn procedures (like for the airbag system), which requires a bi-directional scan tool.
What happens if I don’t do the relearn procedures?
Skipping the relearn procedures can result in an active airbag warning light on your dash, which is a safety concern and will cause an inspection failure. It can also cause issues with the brake pedal position sensor, affecting stability control and braking performance. It is a mandatory step for a safe and complete repair.
Will this fix my car’s starting problem?
It might. The BCM is a key part of the vehicle’s anti-theft and immobilizer system. If the BCM has failed in a way that affects security communication, replacing it can solve a no-start condition. However, many other components can also cause a no-start, so proper diagnosis is key.
Is a core charge required for my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep or responsibly dispose of your old module without needing to send it back to us.