GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This vehicle is equipped with a Body Control Module (BCM) capable of performing various body control functions. The following is a list of operations and features the BCM controls:

    • All door lock/unlock operations including the following features:
       - Remote Keyless Entry
       - Fuel Filler Lid Unlock
       - Trunk Lid Release
    • The Exterior Lighting Control including the following features:
       - Daytime Running Light
       - Twilight Sentinel
       - Wiper On Lighting Control
       - Exterior Lighting Power Control
    • Delayed Interior Lighting Control
    • Content Theft Deterrent
    • Various telltale controls in the Instrument Cluster
    • Various telltale controls in the Headlamp Switch
    • Class 2 diagnostic protocol

Battery Guard

The battery guard feature provides protection from excessive battery drain caused by high current loads being accidently left on. This protection is accomplished by controlling battery power to selected modules after each ignition cycle.

The Body Control Module (BCM) provides power regulation through the use of the battery guard relay to the following components:

    • Radio Receiver.
    • Radio Interface Module (RIM).
    • Fuel Filler Door Relay coil.
    • Trunk Release Relay coil.
    • Phone (Dealer Installed).

The battery guard relay supplies the above components with power whenever the BCM is awake (Controlled Power Mode) and for 15 minutes after the ignition transitions to the LOCK position (High Power Mode).

Controlled Power Mode

Wake-Ups are signals that turn the BCM On and cause it to begin active control and/or monitoring. During the Controlled Power Mode, the BCM is awake and controls the battery guard relay output. Battery power is supplied to the above mentioned components during this mode.

High Power Mode

When the ignition is switched to the LOCK position, the BCM enters the High Power Mode. During the High Power Mode, the BCM controls the battery guard relay output for 15 minutes, still supplying battery power to the selected components.

Before the 15 minute time period expires, the BCM issues a controlled power shutdown report on the Class 2 data bus indicating that the BCM will switch off the High Power output.

The 15 minute time period can restart when one of the following occurs:

    • Any door jamb switch becoming active (i.e., a transition from closed to open)
    • The trunk being opened (i.e., a transition from closed to open)
    • A RFA-Button report is received (Class 2 or RF message)
    • Key is placed in the ignition switch
    • The interior light switch is activated

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature allows the use of the entertainment/phone system after the ignition is turned Off. The BCM controls this feature via the Class 2 serial data circuit.

The RAP feature is enabled when the ignition is in the ON position. It will not enable, however, with the door open and the ignition is turned to the LOCK position.

The RAP feature terminates when one of the following occurs:

    • After 10 minutes with the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
    • With the ignition switch in the LOCK position and a door is opened.
    • The ignition switch transitions to the START position.

BCM Replacement

Replace the BCM only if diagnostics in this section directs you specifically to do so. Most system problems are traceable to faulty wiring, to connectors, or to components. The BCM itself is very reliable and is not likely the cause of a fault. Do not replace the BCM before performing a complete diagnosis or recurrence of the fault will likely occur. Note: Every input to the BCM is short to ground and short to battery protected. Every output from the BCM is short to ground and short to battery protected. Therefore, the BCM does not automatically need to be replaced when there is a short found in the wiring connected to it. Repair the wiring first, then check the system for any further problem.

BCM Programming

When a BCM is replaced, it must be programmed with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that it is being installed in. The RadioTheftlock feature uses the VIN to verify that the radio has not been removed and improperly installed in another vehicle.

The programming of the BCM is accomplished by using a scan tool. The vehicles VIN is entered in the scan tool and then transmitted via a Class 2 physical message to the BCM. The BCM stores the VIN in EEPROM. The first communication between the BCM and radio re-arms the Radio Theftlock. To set up a new BCM, select SETUP NEW BCM from the BCM Special Functions menu and follow the instructions on the screen.

The BCM and radio communicate via Class 2 functional messages. When the ignition is switched to the ON position, the radio requests part of the VIN from the BCM. The BCM reports back the requested VIN to the radio where the information is compared to a VIN stored in the radio EEPROM.

If the VIN from the BCM does not match, the radio disables all entertainment functions and when the ignition is ON displays a message on the VF display that it is in the LOCKED mode. The radio remains in this mode until it receives a VIN that matches the original VIN stored in EEPROM.

When the radio is replaced, the location in the radio EEPROM, reserved for the VIN, must be in the default mode. If not, a scan tool must be used to reset it. In the default mode, the first communication between the BCM and radio re-arms the Radio Theftlock.

In the event there is a power loss to the BCM or radio, the Radio Theftlock re-arms after the first communication between the two devices, after power is restored. If Class 2 communication does not resume, the radio will go into the LOCKED mode.

OnStar

OnStar is a new on-vehicle communications system which is a dealer installed option. The BCM acts as the interface between the OnStar and the vehicle architecture. It receives the following Class 2 messages from the Vehicle Interface Unit (VIU).

    • Door unlock or lock activation
    • Horn control
    • Interior light control
    • Exterior lighting; activates the parklamps and lowbeams. In the event the exterior lamps are active due to either DRL, twilight sentinel or wiper-on lighting, the message sent from the VIU will override these modes, turning the parklamps or lowbeams On or Off as required.
    • Requests the Alarm State of the BCM

The BCM sends Class 2 messages to the VIU on:

    • An ignition state change
    • When a door is opened or closed

The BCM is hard wired to the Inflatable Restraint Sensing Module. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the restraint module will send voltage pulses as a test message and to check the circuit to the BCM. In the event of a restraint system activation (in this case an airbag deployment), the BCM will continue to receive the voltage pulses but at a greater number and repetitive rate. The BCM then sends a Class 2 message to the VIU that a restraint system has activated.