The BCM or Body Control Module is responsible for
controlling the vehicles electrical components like the power door, air
conditioning system, interior lighting, locks and much more. It is one of the
many electronic automotive components that manage the basic functions in
today's cars. Before the BCM was developed, separate electrical components
govern these functions. The BCM's main purpose is to bring all these functions
together and work into a single computerized module.
Other electronic modules are also linked to the BCM within
the car. Common functions such as the chimes, automatic door locks and the
instrument cluster gauges need to deliver the right information in and out of
the BCM using digital and analog information. The Transmission Control Module
(TCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and other computer components are
connected to a common serial bus communications network which ties to the BCM.
Replacing the BCM will usually take a skilled mechanic one
to three hours, depending on the car. Having a professional repair the module
may net you some savings. Repair cost for the BCM depends on the make and model
and can run from $200 for the late model to $800 or more for the newest cars.
Disconnecting and removing the BCM from the vehicle is often required for
repairs. You can either have it refurbished at facility which specializes in
refurbishing electronic modules or you can replace it with a new or
remanufactured module.
Due to the complex nature of the BCM, it is near impossible
to fix it on your own, which in fact needs special software and tools to repair
and reprogram them. On a different note, some vehicles allow you to swap a bad
BCM with a brand-new or repaired one using only simple hand tools.
Reprogramming is required to most modules after they have been replaced. In
most cases, only skilled mechanics can accomplish this task with the proper
programming tools.
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