Restore Full Functionality to Your GM Vehicle
Are you battling bizarre electrical problems in your car, truck, or van? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows and locks, a security system that acts up, or dashboard warning lights that won’t go away are classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can cause a cascade of frustrating, seemingly unrelated issues. In my 20+ years of diagnostic work, I’ve seen how a single failing module can make a perfectly good vehicle feel unreliable. This is the straightforward, professional-grade solution.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete fix. We take a reliable BCM and flash it with the latest GM software, specifically programmed to your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means it arrives at your door ready for installation, saving you a costly trip to the dealership for programming. You get a dependable part that restores factory operation without the typical hassle and expense. This is the exact approach I’d take for a customer’s vehicle in my own shop to ensure a lasting repair.
A Technician’s Notebook: The 2011 Savana Work Van
A local contractor brought in his 2011 Savana 2500, a van that was his mobile office. The complaint was intermittent chaos: the dome lights would stay on, the radio would cut out, and the power locks worked only when they felt like it. He was worried about a massive wiring issue. After hooking up the scan tool, I saw multiple U-codes, specifically U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module). Instead of tearing the dash apart looking for a phantom short, I went straight to the BCM. These work vans see a lot of vibration and temperature swings, which can stress the BCM’s internal circuit board over time. A new Programmed GM BCM, flashed to his VIN, solved every single issue in under an hour. It’s a common failure point, and this is the direct fix.
Common Signs of a Failing GM BCM
If your vehicle is exhibiting these symptoms, a failing BCM is the likely culprit. Don’t chase individual component failures until you’ve checked the central controller.
- âś” Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operate erratically or not at all.
- âś” Interior or exterior lights flicker, stay on, or won’t turn on.
- âś” The anti-theft or security system light is illuminated, and the vehicle may not start.
- âś” Dashboard gauges (speedometer, tachometer) behave erratically or stop working.
- âś” The radio or infotainment system randomly shuts off or won’t power on.
- âś” You may find diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like U0140, U0155, or other communication errors.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your new BCM is designed to be a direct swap. While the exact location varies by model (check your service manual), the process is generally the same.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait 10-15 minutes before beginning work.
- Locate the BCM: On most of these GM models, the BCM is located under the driver’s side of the dashboard, to the left of the steering column, or in the center dash area. It’s a plastic box with several large multi-pin electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that must be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location. Securely plug in all the electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock 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, radio, etc.
Important Post-Installation Steps
Because this Programmed GM BCM is the central command for many systems, a couple of quick relearn procedures may be needed after installation. This is normal and ensures all related components are communicating correctly.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after the swap, a simple ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is required. This syncs the airbag system to the new BCM and must be done with a professional-grade scan tool.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn is necessary to ensure brake lights and traction control function as designed. This is also performed with a capable diagnostic tool.
Disclaimer: Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any part of the process. No core charge is required; you can keep your old module.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 15837419 and interchanges with a wide range of other part numbers. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
AVALANCHE 1500 10 (ID 25892622)
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
ESCALADE ESV 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
ESCALADE EXT 10 (ID 25892622)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-12
G8 08-09
HUMMER H2 08-09
IMPALA 06-13
LUCERNE 06-11
MONTE CARLO 06-07
OUTLOOK 07-10
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12
SRX 07-09
STS 10
SUBURBAN 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
TAHOE 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
YUKON XL 1500 10 (ID 20815898 or 25892622)
This module 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
What does ‘programmed to my VIN’ actually mean?
It means we load the specific software and settings from GM that match your vehicle’s factory options. This ensures all features your car was built with (like remote start, specific lighting, etc.) work correctly with the new BCM, eliminating the need for a dealership to program it.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to install?
For most people with basic hand tools, the physical installation is straightforward. The main challenge is accessing the module, which is usually under the dash. The key benefit here is that the complex programming part is already done for you.
Do I need to send my old BCM back?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep your original module or dispose of it responsibly.
What if my airbag light is on after I install it?
This is a normal possibility. The new BCM needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the airbag system (SDM). This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure using a professional scan tool, which any competent repair shop can perform quickly.
Will this fix my ‘Service Theft System’ message?
In many cases, yes. The BCM is a critical part of the Passlock/Passkey anti-theft system. A failing BCM is a very common cause of this warning message and no-start conditions. Our programming ensures the security data is correctly configured for your vehicle.