Advance has a body control module (BCM) for a few bucks less than GM Direct. Has anyone bought one from a parts store besides GM, and how did it go?
I'll probably have to break down and get it from GM, but just wondered if I can get the same thing from somewhere else...
Is there anything to consider (programming/etc)?
And will ANY new BCM program itself to my key when I start it the first time?

Thanks!

 

Madtuner.com lists replacement PCMs for $140 or $200 depending on the year required.

I'm sure PCMForLess.com can also get you one.

If yours is fixable you may even be able to talk with either of them and send it in as a partial core to save some $$$

Also would be worth while to get tuning done at the same time

 

actually reading the post FTW

i would just get the gm if its not much more, and it would be a good idea to ask them about programming, i am a ford tech and all of our modules need to be programmed

 

Doh

Ducks Head & Runs Away

 

Are you sure your BCM is bad? I've been having BS issues w/ my 00 SS and changed the BCM (W/GM part) and it did not correct problem. What codes are you getting (there are special instructions is the service manual to access the BCM codes). Also, the Service manual cautions about replacing the BCM if you "think" it has a problem ~ they claim its very robust. In my case they were right.

 

I tried to find one everywhere with no sucess (Advance, Napa, Pepboys, Autozone, Kragen, internet sites, Ebay, etc) so I had to buy mine from GM direct about 2 months ago, because my keyless entry, door locks and courtesy lights stopped working. Also my old BCM started clicking every 10 seconds even with the car off. I even called a PCM place in north FL (supposedly a big business) and they didn't even have BCMs, only engine computers.

For my '96 it was very simple. Just disconnected the battery, changed the BCM, reconnected the battery and turned the switch to "on" for 5 seconds, that was it ( I don't remember if I had to remove the radio fuse?!). After that I just reprogrammed my keyless remote again, everything is back to normal now.

Just make sure you check first the serial number of yours to order the correct one for your car depending on options, there is more than 1 BCM per model year.

 

blakbuuty ,

I had my BCM out (again) yesterday ~ I've read a number of threads on other sights that claim GM had a number of problems with the connectors on these, (A number of service bulletins ~ lot on Monte Carlos, some on Saturn) so, I took mine out, cleaned all the connectors w/ electronic spray, put some tuneup grease on the connectors & reassembeled making sure none of the individual wires were pulled (streatched). Reprogrammed it and used it all day yesterday ~ not one problem! Give it a try before you waste >$200 on a new BCM like I did.

 

I will give this a try. Thanks!
I can't be sure what the problem is, but I lose power constantly while driving (windows, radio); so I guess it's the BCM.
Thanks for the tip.

 

you can also pick up a used BCM in the sale sections for probably a lot less.

 

Yes, but as I read the service manual, when you install the BCM for the first time it picks up your VATs code (1 to 15) resistor pelet on your ignition key, so you would need to be sure the car it came from is the same value as yours.

 

Exactly, you would have to find out your resistor value, and then be lucky enough to get a BCM from a car with the same options as yours and with the same resistor value... it would be even harder than getting a new one!