Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Body Control Module
The body control module (BCM) supplies vehicle occupants with visual and audible information and controls various vehicle functions. To provide and receive information, the module is interfaced to the vehicle's serial bus communications network (PCI). This network consists of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the mechanical instrument cluster (MIC), the Front Control Module (FCM), the Airbag Control Module (ACM), the Compass/Mini-Trip (CMTC), the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), the HVAC control module (ATC and MTC), the Power Sliding Door (left and right) modules (PSD), the Adjustable Pedals Module (APM), the Power Liftgate Module (PLG), the Audio system, the Side Impact Airbag Control (left and right) Modules (SIACM), the Memory Seat/Mirror Module (MSMM), the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM). The BCM is operational when battery power is supplied to the module.
The body control module provides the following features:
- Power Door Locks
- Automatic Door Lock
- Door Lock Inhibit
- Central Locking (with VTSS Only)
- Battery Protection
- The BCM will automatically turn off all exterior lamps after 3 minutes and all interior lamps after 15 minutes after the ignition is turned off, if they are not turned off by the driver.
- Chime Driver
- Compass/Minitrip Support
- Interior Lighting (Courtesy/Reading Lamps)
- BCM Diagnostic Reporting
- Electronic Liftgate Release (with Power Door Locks)
- Exterior Lighting
- Headlamp Time Delay (with/without Auto headlamps)
- Automatic Headlamps (with Electrochromatic Mirror)
- Illuminated Entry
- Fade To Off
- PWM Instrument Panel Dimming
- Door Lock Inhibit
- Power Sliding Door Switch Inputs
- Power Liftgate Switch Input
- Power Lockout Switch Input
DO NOT swap Body Control Modules (BCM) between vehicles or off the shelf. The BCM has internal diagnostic capability that assists in diagnosing the system. When an open or short circuit exists, the diagnostic tool can be used to read the BCM codes. The codes are very descriptive in identifying the appropriate feature that has faulted.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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