The features in modern-day vehicles are on the rise but also have made the electronic modules complex.
This is more to increase the global safety levels of the automotive and give a fantastic user experience to the end-users.
For achieving this objective, we have some modern features like the Anti-Lock Braking system and some turn indicators.
All these features are managed by the Electronic Control units as those work independently.
What Is a Body Control Module Fuse?
This is an automatic process that is based on power distribution because it supervises the functions of your vehicle, such as windows security and door locks.
It also does not have any option to control the functions of the engine.
The function of a Body Control Module:
One can use the BCM communication of different ECUs in the vehicle with your vehicle’s bus system like the CAN, LIN.
It is analogous to the brain of your body which controls different body parts which work by sending and receiving signals via BUS.
A BCM unit, just like an ECU, is a gateway or a type of hub which can interact with different ECUs.
Due to this, a need arrives for the cabled plug-in connection between all the ECUs of the vehicle, and this is also a function of the BCM.
Symptoms of a Bad Body Control Module:
If there is any trouble with your body control module, issues can be many.
Here are some of the most common issues that one can notice in the vehicle-
- Misfiring – The Car suddenly misfires at high speeds, and this is also risky and a safety threat.
- Shaking – Very common issue; car starts jerking abruptly whenever someone is driving at high speeds.
- Hesitant Acceleration – Pick up of the Car is rough and not smooth.
PS – A malfunctioning BCM cause is some obvious issues like wires shorting, engine giving from lots of heat, hard impact collision, or a damaged sensor.
BCM Reset and BCM fusing:
A body control module is typically in a car, and it controls certain features like power windows, central locking, power mirrors, immobilizer system, and similar options.
To reset the BCM is a tricky word because it is not easy to do so.
It is similar in operations to the Climate Control Module, and one must undertake a hefty and special relearn procedure to reset it.
Or there comes a special reprogramming with a factory scan tool.
Some other questions.
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1.) What are the consequences of a bad BCM?
Answer: A faulty BCM will have some of the issues, like it will activate the dashboard instrumentation and other warning lights.
The lights from here will flash if BCM fails to monitor the sensors properly.
This is also going to impact your vehicle performance as it is the BCM that communicates with other CMs of the vehicle.
Q2.) What does the BCM control?
Answer: The BCM is an automotive central body module and is a processor which assists in power distribution for controlling many features.
Most of these features are lights, security, door locks, and other comfy features.
Q3.) How can one test their body control module’s working?
Answer: It is easy to troubleshoot a BCM by simply paying attention to the vehicle.
Begin by making sure that all electronics are working properly and perfectly.
Turn, for instance, the radio on and check the fuse box.
If one suspects that there is something wrong with the BCM, simply head to your nearest Auto Zone checker.
Q4.) How to repair the body control module?
Answer: One must pay approx—$ 325+ for most of the cars for the replacement of the BCM.
This includes some labor and parts, and they also cost not more than $150.
The labor alone will be around $100 or less and depends on the time taken for rewiring the car.
Q5.) Can one reprogram a body control module that is already used?
Answer: No!
Quite unfortunate, but this only is done by some specific automotive specialists as they have the security codes to reprogram it.
Q6.) What is the cost of a BCM?
Answer: The average cost for this replacement is on average between $500 to $550.
Labor costing is $75 to $100, and parts are between $421 to $430.
This doesn’t include any taxes or fees.
Q7.) Is it the body control module that controls the fuel pump?
Answer: In certain cases, it does control the fuel pump.
One of the reasons is that the BCM feeds to Passlock or similar security systems.
Some other examples are door status, trunk status, etc.
Q8.) What is the working principle of a body control module?
Answer: The BCM works exclusively. Firstly, the Body control module receives data right from the input devices and other output devices.
Some examples are the user pressing the power window or the battery of the car, which sends the power to the same BCM unit.
This helps it to communicate with the ignition module.
Q9.) Can one lock the door with a body control module?
Answer: Yes!
The BCM connects all the door locks and windshield wipers.
It also links many electronic features at one go and keeps them all under central surveillance so that the automobile can operate easily.
Q10.) What is the TBC Accy fuse in simple words?
Answer: A fuse box is present in the passenger compartment of the Chevrolet Silverado.
Also known by the name of TBC ACCY Fuse 10A BCM and IGN 3 Fuse Rear Wheel 4WD.
Q11.) What is the difference between PCM and BCM?
Answer: It is a power-train control module which is an automotive part, and most people use it on motor vehicles.
While on some of the cars, one can see many multiple computers.
The PCM, BCM, TCU are three brain computers of the automotive.
Q12.) How can one program an engine control module, ECM?
Answer: Follow the given way –
- First, make sure the OBD-II connection is proper to the vehicle’s interface.
- Then switch on the IGNITION.
- From the tool’s menu, choose the detect vehicle feature and select the Program Engine ECU on the Windows.
- Click OK and then select the PROGRAM ECU and enter the final programming mode.
Q13.) What do you mean by BCM on a Chevy truck?
Answer: The ACDelco GM BCM recommendation is the highest.
It can communicate with another vehicle part as well.
Also, it regulates other electronic devices properly.
Q14.) How to repair the body control module?
Answer: In 90% of the situations, one cannot repair the BCM if it gets damaged.
The most common reasons behind the BCM failure are water, vibes, and age or heat.
So, replacement is the only option left.
Q15.) What is the definition of a TCM fuse?
Answer: A TCM fuse is the primary fuse block of about ten amps. If the fuse gets blown, the faulty fuse can cause a short circuit in the TCM or wiring issue.
One might have to replace or trace the wiring.
Q16.) What are some common symptoms of the bad ECM on cars?
Answer: There are some frequent symptoms of a bad ECM –
- First, check that your engine light is ON; if not on, then there is an issue.
- The car cannot start, or the engine misfires.
- A sudden drop in fuel economy or a sudden acceleration loss.
- The engine can shut off without any reason.
- A rough or irregular shifting.
Q17.) Can one unhook the battery reset BCM?
Answer: When one disconnects the battery, and the accomplishment is then the same, which can reset the BCM by just pulling the IOD fuse.
This cuts the battery to the BCM.
Q18.) Where can one find a TCM fuse?
Answer: When it comes to the transmission control module, it is right there below the cover at the backs of this transmission case.
Rather it should be below the ECM’s position, and someone can be found under the hood, which is near the battery or inner penal.
Q19.) Does one need to program the new Body Control Module?
Answer: Yes!
One must program the BCM as per new standards and calibrate them with the latest software.
If one does not go through this step, the vehicle function will not occur.
Q20.) Is the ECM/ BCM the same thing?
Answer: When it comes to automotive electronics, ECU is a general term for any of the pre-built systems which feature the multiple electricals in the car.
It also includes BCM, PCM, and ECM together.
Final Verdict
Before one gets the bad body control module symptoms, then only one can get the understanding of this.
In simple words, one needs to figure out the symptoms and work accordingly then.
BCM, in short, is the body computer that checks the vital systems of the car and controls certain themes from the centralized hub.
Because if not given proper control, it can irreversibly damage the system.
The warning lights and checking engine light is critical as the BCM facilitates communication between all the vehicle, such as onboard computers.
If one sees malfunctions in one or more of the electrical systems, it is sure that the BCM is faulty.
Some common symptoms of the misfiring BCM are electronics working properly, such as windshield wipers issue.
Some of the bad acceleration issues, like experiencing a rough one, are also a cause of it.
Thanks For Reading!