BCM for 2005 Silverado 3500

[Suzy Devereaux]

Hi all ... I read the thread (and directions) from August 2010 for the 2003 2500 Silverado; however, as things change so quickly - thought I'd better check. [May I preface this with my better half is mechanically minded - and I'm the computer geek ... hence, why I'm writing the question!]

 

We're going to order a new BCM for the pick up. Of course, on the parts page, it says it must be taken to the dealer for programming. Is it possible to program the replacement BCM like it was for the 2003? Or, do we truly need to go to the dealership?

 

 

[davester]

you might be able to do it yourself if you have a tech2 and buy access to programming from GM.

 

But first, what's wrong with your current BCM?

[Suzy Devereaux]

Well.... the key fobs will not work (must use a key to open the door); the dash lights are half on / half off; the window child locks don't work; no daytime running lights (automatic - must manually turn on/off the headlights) the rear windows will not operate from the driver door buttons; 'service 4WD' & 'battery not charging' warnings ... small things like that. According to his research, those are all things the BCM controls; hence why he feels the BCM has gone bad.

[davester]

Sure, but could it be something like the BCM just not having good power and ground connections?

[jake111]

Davester is pointing out that the more common problem is wiring, and usually ground problems. While you might want to clean and re-tighten every ground connection you can find, I believe a common culprit is one under the driver side door that attaches to the frame.

 

This is especially a problem in areas where it snows, and made worse from the salt or other chemicals they dump on the roads for ice.

 

It might be worth chasing the cheap DIY solutions first!

 

[on edit] Did all of these problems occur at once? Or one at a time? If over time, then there just might be a lot of little problems. Is this for a 2005? Stepper motors can be a problem (I replaced all of mine years ago). The dash lights can burn out, and there was some poor soldering done on the back of the cluster board, some of which result in dim dash lights and a dim DIC, and dim PRND321. Various other problems can be caused by weak batteries or bad battery connections (low voltage at startup screw up the computers), or . . . poor grounds.

[Skimsucka]

Suzy,

 

I recently experienced multiple odd electrical related issues with my truck before I narrowed it down to my by eliminating all above concerns. My radio was on(any source) volume up but had no sound at times, passenger front window would struggle to go up and I had no reverse or dome lights. I ordered a new AC Delco BCM off amazon for 158$ and then called 5 local dealers all which had different prices for programming from 130$ to 300$. Some dealers will not program a bcm unless they installed and supplied the bcm (thiefs). Anyhow I removed the panel below the steering column and the support bracket (10 min job) drove the truck to dealer left the new Bcm on passenger seat and picked my truck up in an hour and a half with new Bcm programmed and all my electrical bugs were gone. The programming was only 130$

[SpartanAutoworx]

Old post but worthy of a bump.

 

As long as you can eliminate any ground issues then this is a BCM failure.

 

The Dash harness is grounded pretty well so unless something has cut a wire or something I would replace the BCM.

 

2003 and newer trucks have reprogrammable BCMs so look around and find the exact match of the part number. You will need a passthru device and SPS to program or find access to someone who does.

 

If you program or the dealer does it takes a total of 5 mins from start to finish for the flash. You will also have to relarn key fob, the SDM, Radio and do the 10/30 key relearn. A dealer should not change you more then an hour. If you know someone with a pass thru module you can rent SPS for $55 and get the job done pretty quick.

 

Goog Luck