Restore Full Functionality to Your GM Workhorse
If you’re dealing with bizarre electrical gremlins in your 2008-2012 GMC Savana 3500 Van, you know how frustrating it can be. One minute the power locks work, the next they don’t. The security light might be flashing for no reason, or your interior lights have a mind of their own. These aren’t just annoyances; for a work van, they can mean lost time and money. The culprit is often a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central computer responsible for managing your vehicle’s body electronics. This isn’t a part you can just swap out from a salvage yard; it’s coded specifically to your vehicle’s features and security system. Our solution eliminates the guesswork and expensive dealership visits.
We offer a reliable, professionally prepared Savana 3500 Body Control Module that arrives at your door ready for installation. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN, we flash the module with the latest GM software updates and clone the essential data from your original unit. This ensures seamless integration with your van’s existing systems, making the repair process as simple as possible for both professional technicians and capable DIYers.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A few months back, a 2011 Savana 3500 work van was towed into my shop. The complaint was intermittent no-start and a battery that would drain overnight. The owner had already replaced the battery and alternator. Initial scans showed a flurry of U-codes, specifically U0140 (Lost Communication with BCM). Instead of just condemning the module, we checked the main power and ground feeds to the BCM, which were solid. The issue was internal to the module itself, where a failing relay was causing a parasitic draw and disrupting network communication. By replacing the BCM with a properly programmed unit, we resolved the no-start, the battery drain, and all the strange electrical issues in one go. This is a classic failure mode I’ve seen countless times on these hardworking vans.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
A faulty BCM can cause a wide range of symptoms that may seem unrelated. If your van is experiencing any of the following, it’s time to inspect the BCM:
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft system light is illuminated on the dash, possibly causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ Gauges on the instrument cluster behaving erratically or going dead.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication errors, such as U0140, U0155, or B1001.
A Straightforward Guide to BCM Replacement
Installing your programmed BCM is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic tools. For the Savana Van, the BCM is typically located behind the center dash trim.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Access the Module: Carefully remove the dash trim panels around the radio and climate controls to gain access to the BCM. It’s usually a black box with several large multi-pin connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Take a photo of the connector orientation for reference. Carefully release the locking tabs on each electrical connector and unplug them from the old BCM. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Final Steps: Reassemble the dash components. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all functions (lights, locks, windows, etc.) to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Information
While our cloning service makes this a near plug-and-play repair, some GM vehicles may require additional steps. If your airbag light (SRS light) is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure. Similarly, some models may require a “Brake Pedal Position Relearn” to ensure proper brake light and traction control operation. These are standard procedures for any professional shop.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and is compatible with the following part numbers. Please verify your original part number matches one on this list for guaranteed compatibility.
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
Fits Models Including:
AVALANCHE 1500 10
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10
ESCALADE ESV 10
ESCALADE EXT 10
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
TAHOE 10
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10
YUKON XL 1500 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Cloning Service” and why do I need it?
Cloning is the process of transferring your vehicle’s specific data—like the VIN, security information, and optional features—from your old BCM to the replacement one. This makes the new module a perfect electronic match for your van, avoiding the need for expensive programming at a dealership.
Do I need to send my original BCM to you?
Yes. For our cloning service, you will need to ship your original module to us. We perform the data transfer and then ship both your original module and the ready-to-install replacement back to you. We do not keep your original part.
Is this a simple plug-and-play installation?
For most vehicles, yes. Because we program the module with your VIN and clone your data, it should function correctly immediately after installation. However, as noted above, some GM vehicles may require a simple relearn procedure for the airbag or brake systems, which can be done with a professional scan tool.
Where is the BCM located on my 2010 Savana 3500 Van?
On the 2008-2012 Savana and Express vans, the Body Control Module is typically located in the center of the dashboard, often behind the radio or climate control head unit. You will need to remove some dash trim for access.
Will this fix a parasitic battery drain?
In many cases, yes. A common failure in these BCMs is an internal short or a stuck relay that keeps a circuit active even when the key is off, leading to a dead battery. If your diagnostics point to the BCM as the source of the draw, this part is the correct solution.