Restore Control Over Your Vehicle’s Electronics
Are you battling frustrating and unpredictable electrical problems in your GM vehicle? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows and locks, a security system that acts up, or even a vehicle that refuses to start can all point to one culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central nervous system for your car’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can create chaos. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a significant safety concern. This Body Control Module is your direct-fit, reliable solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN for a straightforward installation.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Unresponsive or erratic power windows, door locks, and interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security system or alarm is triggered for no reason, or the car won’t start due to a security fault.
- ✔ The dashboard displays multiple, unrelated warning lights (e.g., ABS, Airbag, Check Engine).
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module), are present when scanned.
- ✔ Wipers or radio turning on and off by themselves.
- ✔ Rapid battery drain while the vehicle is parked.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Ghost in the Machine
I remember a 2012 Caprice PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) that came into the shop with a list of gremlins that would make your head spin. The officer reported the dome light would randomly come on during patrol, the power locks would cycle while driving, and twice the car failed to start after a short stop. We couldn’t find any wiring shorts. After hours of diagnostics, we traced the intermittent faults back to the BCM. These modules, especially on high-hour service vehicles, can suffer from internal solder joint failures due to heat and vibration, causing these exact kinds of unpredictable issues. Installing a properly programmed 2011-2013 Caprice BCM solved every single problem instantly. It’s a classic case where one component failure mimics a dozen different problems.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes before beginning work.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On the 2011-2013 Caprice, the Body Control Module is typically located inside the cabin, often behind the lower dashboard panel on the driver’s side. Consult your service manual for the exact position.
- ✔ Remove Trim Panels: Carefully remove any plastic trim or panels necessary to access 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.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- ✔ Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position (without starting the engine) and test all body functions: lights, locks, windows, wipers, etc.
- ✔ Perform Relearns (If Needed): Start the vehicle. If an airbag light or brake system warning appears, you may need to perform the post-installation procedures mentioned below with a capable scan tool.
Post-Installation Checks & Procedures
Your new BCM comes programmed to your VIN, which handles the majority of the setup. However, in some GM vehicles, certain security and sensor systems require a final handshake after installation. Please be aware of the following potential steps:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional-grade diagnostic tool to sync the airbag system with the new BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure proper brake light and traction control operation, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary on certain models.
- No Core Charge: We make it simple. There is no core charge on this BCM, so you can keep your original part.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15880684 and is compatible with a wide range of General Motors vehicles. It services numerous interchangeable part numbers, ensuring a perfect match. Please verify your vehicle is on this list. Note that BCM location varies by model.
AVALANCHE 1500 10 (under steering column)
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12 (center dash)
CTS 08-13 (LH/RH dash)
DTS 06-11 (RH center dash)
ENCLAVE 08-12 (LH dash)
EQUINOX 07-09 (center dash)
ESCALADE 10 (under steering column)
ESCALADE ESV 10 (under steering column)
ESCALADE EXT 10 (under steering column)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
G8 08-09 (center dash)
HUMMER H2 08-09 (LH firewall)
IMPALA 06-13 (LH dash)
LUCERNE 06-11 (right side dash)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 (LH steering column)
OUTLOOK 07-10 (center dash)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12 (center dash)
SRX 07-09 (LH dash)
STS 10 (center dash)
SUBURBAN 1500 10 (under steering column)
TAHOE 10 (under steering column)
TORRENT 07-09 (center dash)
TRAVERSE 09-12 (LH dash)
VUE 08-10 (center dash)
YUKON 10 (under steering column)
YUKON XL 1500 10 (under steering column)
This part replaces: 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.
Yes, providing your 17-digit VIN is essential. We use it to load the correct GM-certified software and settings for your vehicle’s specific options. This ensures the BCM works correctly right out of the box and minimizes post-installation issues.
For most models, this is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. The main challenge is typically accessing the module, which may be tucked under the dashboard. Basic hand tools are all that’s required for the physical swap. The key benefit here is that the difficult programming step is already done for you.
These procedures are only necessary if you have a related warning light after installation. If the airbag light is on, the system is disabled and will not deploy in an accident. If the brake pedal position is not learned, it can affect traction control and ABS performance. It’s a critical safety step if the warning appears.
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 its part number or have it as a backup.