End the Frustration of Electrical Glitches in Your GM Truck
If you’re dealing with baffling electrical issues in your GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, or another GM truck/SUV, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is often the culprit. As a mechanic with over two decades of diagnostic experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty BCM can wreak havoc, causing everything from flickering lights and a dead HVAC system to no-start conditions. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a reliability issue. This OEM-quality Body Control Module, equivalent to part number 20939138, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s VIN for a true plug-and-play repair.
The BCM is the electronic nerve center for your vehicle’s comfort and security features. It governs the power windows, door locks, interior and exterior lighting, wipers, security system, and even aspects of the climate control. When it fails, you get a cascade of seemingly unrelated problems. Our VIN programming service eliminates the costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership. We flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your truck, so it works correctly the moment you install it.
Case Study: The Ghost in the Machine
A customer brought in his 2011 Silverado 2500 with a list of complaints: the radio would cut out, the driver’s side window worked intermittently, and the airbag light was on with a DTC B1001. He had already replaced the battery and checked major ground points. After confirming power and grounds to the BCM were solid, we identified the module itself as the source of the internal fault. Instead of a multi-day dealership visit, we installed one of our VIN-programmed BCMs. The entire job took less than 15 minutes in the bay, and a quick SDM key sync with our scanner cleared the airbag light for good. He drove away with a fully functional truck, saving hundreds in diagnostic and programming fees.
Is Your GM Truck Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs replacement:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Climate control (HVAC) problems, like a blower motor that won’t turn on or switches modes randomly.
- ✔ An active airbag warning light, often with a persistent DTC B1001 (Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM).
- ✔ Erratic interior or exterior lights (headlights, dome lights, etc.) that flicker or stay on.
- ✔ Vehicle security system acting up, causing a no-start or stalling condition.
- ✔ A cluster of seemingly unrelated diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best parts of this solution is the simplicity. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to get your truck running right again. The BCM is typically located under the driver’s side dashboard, near the steering column.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on electrical components.
- Locate the BCM: On most GM trucks and SUVs, it’s a black box with several large connectors, mounted to a bracket under the dash. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have release tabs that need to be pressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting location.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same spot and securely reconnect all electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all functions: lights, windows, locks, wipers, and HVAC to confirm the repair was successful.
- Post-Install Steps: In some cases, an airbag light may remain. This requires a professional scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function. A brake pedal position relearn might also be needed.
This repair with a pre-programmed 2013 Sierra 3500 BCM restores factory functionality without the typical dealership hassle, putting you back in control of your vehicle’s features and reliability.
Verified Compatibility for Your GM Truck or SUV
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of popular General Motors vehicles and interchanges with numerous part numbers, including 25844480, 25835966, 15943678, 20939137, and 22860591. Please verify your specific model and year below.
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
Do I need to have this BCM programmed by the dealer?
No. We pre-program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before shipping. This ensures it’s ready for installation right out of the box, saving you time and money.
Why is my airbag light still on after installation?
This is a normal security measure. If the airbag light is on, a procedure called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ must be performed with a professional-grade scan tool. This syncs the new BCM with your vehicle’s airbag system.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old module without needing to send it back, making the process hassle-free.
What tools do I need to replace the 2013 Sierra 3500 BCM?
Basic hand tools are all that’s typically required, such as a socket set and a trim removal tool to access the lower dash panel. No specialized tools are needed for the physical replacement.
Will this fix my intermittent stalling or security light issues?
Yes, a faulty BCM is a very common cause of security system malfunctions that can lead to stalling or a no-start condition. Replacing it with this programmed unit is a very effective fix for those symptoms.