The key is to heed these warning signs, take prompt action and seek help. In many cases, your BCM will alert you to issues with symptoms, warning lights or both. No Start Conditionīecause of the BCM’s communications with other modules and components you may experience a no crank or no start condition. Sometimes, parasitic drain exceeds what is normal, and can cause car battery drain. Some parasitic drain is normal – your battery delivers enough energy to keep things like your clock, your radio presets and your security alarm operational. Parasitic drain is due to components in your vehicle continuing to run after the key is turned off. Your vehicle performance may also be affected as the BCM communicates with other control modules in the vehicle. These lights may flash off and on if the BCM is not able to read the sensors correctly. Check Engine Light (CEL) or Other Instrumentation Cluster Warning LightsĪ malfunctioning BCM will activate dashboard instrumentation cluster error and warning lights. Security functions including Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Vehicle Anti-Theft Security System (VTSS), Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), (PASSKEY), issues typically are related to Body Control Module failure.
In certain instances, these items may not operate at all. If your BCM begins to malfunction, you will notice a negative effect on the operation of the various parts that the Body Control Module commands and it’s likely that you’ll experience one or more of the following symptoms: The Intermittent Operation of Electronic ComponentsĮlectronic components such as Exterior and Interior Lamps, Chime Warning, Courtesy Lamps, Dome Lamps, Door Ajar Status, Fog Lamps, Wiper Controls, Low and High Beam Head Lamps, Horn, Park Lamps, Central Locking, Horn Chirp, Instrumentation Lighting and Gauges, Speedometer, Odometer, Radio, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Radio functions etc. It also coordinates the operating functions of many non-engine related ancillary items as well as security features. It streamlines the manufacturing and troubleshooting aspects of electronic modules by housing the modules into one, central unit instead of each function having its own device. The Body Control Module (BCM) could be considered a central organizational module for your vehicle.