End the Electrical Gremlins in Your GM Truck
If you’re chasing strange electrical issues in your 2011 GMC Sierra or another GM truck—flickering lights, a dead instrument cluster, power windows with a mind of their own, or an HVAC system that won’t cooperate—the problem often points directly to a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central command for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can cause a cascade of frustrating and hard-to-diagnose problems. This OEM-quality replacement, part number 15284816, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair.
Is Your Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ HVAC controls are unresponsive, or the blower motor works sporadically.
- ✔ An active airbag warning light, often with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1001.
- ✔ Erratic security system behavior, leading to no-start conditions or stalling.
- ✔ A host of communication or body-related DTCs that seem unrelated.
- ✔ Poor ground symptoms that persist even after cleaning ground points.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Parasitic Drain Puzzle
I once had a 2011 Sierra 2500 in the bay with a battery that would die every two days. The owner had already replaced the battery and alternator, but the parasitic drain continued. Standard tests were inconclusive. On a hunch, I connected a thermal camera and watched the BCM after the truck was shut down. Sure enough, it was staying warm, indicating it wasn’t entering sleep mode and was continuously drawing power. This internal failure is common. Replacing the faulty unit with a properly programmed 2011 Sierra Body Control Module solved the drain instantly. It’s a reminder that a BCM failure isn’t always about what doesn’t work, but sometimes about what won’t shut off.
The Power of VIN Programming
Why is VIN programming so critical? Your truck’s BCM communicates with numerous other modules, from the Engine Control Module (ECM) to the Airbag System (SDM). Our process ensures this replacement module has the correct software and configuration for your exact vehicle options right out of the box. This eliminates the need for expensive dealership tools or programming fees, turning a complex electronic repair into a simple component swap. It’s the most reliable way to ensure every feature works as the factory intended.
Your 5-Minute BCM Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On most GM trucks from this era, the BCM is located under the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- ✔ Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unclip or unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Seat the new BCM into the mounting bracket and securely plug in all the electrical connectors. You’ll hear a click as they lock into place.
- ✔ Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all functions: lights, wipers, locks, windows, and HVAC to confirm the repair.
- ✔ Post-Install Checks: As noted in our technical information, if the airbag light persists, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure may be needed with a high-level scan tool. This is a simple sync function, not a full reprogramming.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Truck or SUV
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac trucks and SUVs, ensuring broad compatibility. It interchanges with numerous part numbers, including 25835966, 15263363, 15943678, 20939137, and 22860591. Please see the detailed list below to confirm your specific model and year.
ESCALADE EXT 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 2500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 3500 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SUBURBAN 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SUBURBAN 2500 10 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON XL 2500 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE EXT 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
TAHOE 07 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON 07 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE EXT 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON XL 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
AVALANCHE 1500 08-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
TAHOE 09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 10-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 2500 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
YUKON 11 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
ESCALADE 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE ESV 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
AVALANCHE 1500 07 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
TAHOE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
YUKON 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON 09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 3500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA DENALI 2500 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 09-11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
TAHOE 08 Body Control (BCM)
YUKON XL 2500 07-08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 13 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
YUKON 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
YUKON XL 1500 07-09 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
YUKON XL 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
AVALANCHE 1500 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
ESCALADE 07-09 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 3500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 2500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE ESV 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SIERRA DENALI 08-10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
SUBURBAN 1500 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
ESCALADE 10 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column), ID 25835966
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), under steering column)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 08 Body Control (BCM), (under steering column)
SILVERADO 3500 PICKUP 07 Body Control (BCM); new style (smooth door skin), (under steering column)
AVALANCHE 1500 11 Body Control (BCM)
TAHOE 11 Body Control (BCM); (under steering column)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. We program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before shipping. This makes the installation plug-and-play, saving you time and money.
What if my airbag light is still on after installation?
This is a common and expected possibility. It simply means the new BCM needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the airbag system (SDM). A professional scan tool is used to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function, which takes just a moment and will clear the light.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old module without the hassle of sending it back.
What tools are required for installation?
Basic hand tools are all that’s needed for the physical swap, typically a socket set or screwdriver to remove the lower dash trim panel. No special programming tools are required.
How can I be certain the BCM is the problem?
While the symptoms listed are strong indicators, a professional diagnosis is always best. Key signs include multiple, unrelated electrical failures and specific BCM-related trouble codes. Checking for solid power and ground at the BCM connector is a crucial diagnostic step.