The Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) is an essential system in your car that controls various body functions. BCMs had become one of the greatest innovations in modern automobiles.
Also known as the ‘body computer’, did you know that a BCM can control power steering, the air-conditioning, and your power windows, among others?
The BCM system is an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) specially designed to manage your vehicle’s processor-based power distribution system. With this device, the works of all electronic modules within the vehicle’s bus are integrated and communicated flawlessly.
We feature here 10 of the best body control module replacement kits available in the market today. Nine of them are from ACDelco, an American automotive parts brand owned by General Motors (GM), and one from Cardone, also an American company well-known as one of the world’s top auto parts manufacturers.
With these world-class brands yet more affordable, you are assured of the highest quality BCMs within your budget.

ACDelco 15235418 GM Original Equipment Body Control Module Via: Amazon
What does a Body Control Module do?
A body control module functions as your vehicle’s brain. The BCM may seem a small device inside your car but this thing lets you control your vehicle’s body electronics (such as the wiper, power windows, lights, power steering, sensors, HVAC, and side-view mirrors, among others).
The BCM works with your vehicle’s bus system (LIN, CAN, PCAN, etc.) to communicate with different ECUs in your car. However, the BCM doesn’t control any engine-related functions.
Here’s a typical diagram of an auto Body Control Module:

How Does a BCM Control Unit Work? Via: embitel.com
Causes that lead to Body Control Module failure
A bad BCM says a lot of symptoms and you should know them very well. Unlike a heater that blows out cold air instead of heat in the middle of freezing weather, BCM failure may trigger a chain reaction.
If not properly addressed, the event can incur large-scale damage to your vehicle. So what are the most visible signs that your BCM is failing?
Here are some of those symptoms:
- Exposure to extreme heat
Exposing your BCM unit from excessive heat (like near the engine or the surroundings) may compromise the BCM’s functions.
- Wear and tear
Just like any other device or car parts, a BCM unit could suffer the sign of the times. If used for a long time, the system may undergo extreme wear and tears that will lead to its malfunction.
Extreme shock
If your vehicle suffers from intense shocks, like in an accident and other similar events, your body control module may suffer the consequences and may lead to failure.
Water contamination
Rainwater and other water sources may contaminate the system and might cause a short circuit of the censors.
Common symptoms of a bad BCM
If there are problems in the BCM, you can experience these warning signs.
Intense vibration and shaking: Your vehicle may become jerky [to know more about car jerking, read here when accelerating.
Burnt fuse: The fuse box may have a burnt fuse.
Stalling acceleration: If your car is hesitant in accelerating, you may suspect a failing BCM.
Bad engine actuation: You may feel that your engine fails to crank up.
Where is the body control module located

The body control module is usually located under the dashboard on the driver side towards the center of your car. You can look to the right of the steering wheel towards the firewall to find your vehicle’s BCM. A BCM unit is a small black rectangle so you can easily distinguish it from other devices.
Helpful tips: Most of the time, a bad or damaged body control module can’t be repaired or reprogrammed. The different elements (like heat, moisture, vibration, and age) all contribute to the failure of this module.
The best to do is replace the module so a brand new one could provide another long lease of life for your module. A replacement body control module is easily available in online stores so you don’t have to visit a motor shop if you don’t have the time.
A brand new BCM only costs less than a couple of hundred dollars plus a minimal amount for programming and installation as a labor fee from your local dealer. When your car’s BCM fails, take it to a mechanic who can get the job done properly.
Where to buy the best Body Control Module
Amazon.com offers the most competitive prices for OE (original equipment) BCMs. The store has a wide array of choices for BCMs to fit your car needs.
Watch this video on how to program a BCM:
10 Best Body Control Modules Reviews
If you think your old BCM system needs replacement, the ACDelco 15234888 is a good choice. This BCM is a GM-recommended replacement kit for your GM vehicle’s original parts.
Some of the amazing features of the ACDelco 15234888 Body Control Module includes an anti-theft program, emission control, and other special operations needed in the better performance of your vehicle.
This handy device has a dimension of 7.3 X 7 X 1.2 inches so it won’t take much space inside your car. This ACDelco BCM is compatible with most Buick models all over the world. As a GM original equipment (OE), the 15234888 model is a high-quality replacement part that works as great as the original that comes with your vehicle.
This BCM comes with a 24-month warranty regardless of the miles ran. So that you know, this ACDelco product is a gold-label specialty part engineered to OE expectations for exceptional applications requiring boosted performance.
The ACDelco 22860591 GM OE BCM requires programming by an automotive specialist or you can go directly to your local dealer. Most dealers have the proper tools and hardware to program or set up the special procedures in programming this type of body control module. This device fits your GM-made vehicles.
Moreover, this gadget is guaranteed by GM to perform well even under stress. The body control module programming that will be undertaken by your dealer comes with a minimal fee but will result in better performance when your old BCM seems helpless.
The 22860591 is equipped with advanced features that communicate with other systems of your vehicle to regulate electronic devices. This electronic controller works well with power steering, HVAC system, and other vital parts.
The ACDelco 13586278 is another of GM’s original equipment parts that could fit any GM-made vehicle. This body control unit, though, carries a hefty price compared to other ACDelco models.
However, this one is bigger than other models with a dimension of 10.9 x 6.3 x 3.4 inches. The unit also requires flash programming that can be undertaken by your local dealer as they are equipped with the right tools and hardware for a minimal fee. However, if you are an automotive specialist and you have the means, you can do it yourself.
The 13586278 has a rectangular connector (female) that can accommodate 7 terminals (male). This body control module is designed to deliver hassle-free and consistent performance in any weather or condition.
The housing material of this GM OE is durable plastic which does not tolerate statics so you can operate it with full ease.
The ACDelco 10439803 GM Original Equipment BCM has a dimension of 6 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches, smaller than other body control modules of its class. This unit fits well with Chevrolet Venture made from 1991 to 2005.
The control unit has a 24-month limited warranty for defective parts and is guaranteed by ACDelco, an automotive parts manufacturer of General Motors (GM). This BCM has a high-grade design that delivers extended lifespan compared to other brands.
The factory-original fit of BCM 10439803 functions longer lasting as it is designed to minimize the impact of vibration and heat inside your car.
However, the component does not come pre-programmed and you need it to be programmed (with other special setup procedures) by your local dealer for a small fee. Your car dealer has the necessary software and required equipment to program this device.
For less than $160 each, the ACDelco 15235418 GM OE body control module can bring more convenience in your driving. This BCM weighs only 12.5 oz. with the following dimensions: 10.5 x 7.2 x 3.2 inches.
This original replacement parts work exactly like the original and can control your car’s emission components and fuel injector’s function, among others.
If you are going to order the ACDelco 13578421 BCM online, you will be required to give more information to the dealer about your car make, year make, the brand, and other important info. This will enable the dealer to know the compatible BCM for your car or truck.
Nevertheless, your purchase could be returned quick and hassle-free if you received the wrong item. This module comes in a gray finish and features premium quality that will perform better than advertised, as many customers had testified.
If you are not familiar with a body control module (BCM), its shape resembles VHS tape of yesteryear. The ACDelco 25692585 rectangular BCM has a length of 7.8 inches, a width of 4.3 inches, and only 2.3 inches thick, smaller than conventional BCMs.
The small size of 25692585 makes it ideal for compact cars, like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Sonic, and similar compact GM models. Added to it, the ACDelco 25692585 BCM only weighs 4.2 ounces so it won’t add more weight to your vehicle.
This BCM unit needs programming by a qualified auto technician to integrate with other electronic functions in your car.
If you need to integrate more ECUs on your current vehicle’s body electronics, the ACDelco 25835966 GM Original Equipment Body Control Module may suffice. This state-of-the-art BCM has 7 female ports ( with square connectors) so you can have various applications to integrate with the system.
The housing width of 25835966 measures only 5.08 inches, a length of 7.09 inches, and a thickness of only 1.99 inches, one of the smallest models available. But it punches the same power as any other bigger model.
This small BCM unit requires flash programming while meeting or even exceeding the OE manufacturer specifications.
The Cardone 73-71001 Body Control Module, as distinct from ACDelco, can be mounted horizontally to your car’s dashboard. This BCM is an Original Equipment component manufactured by Cardone, one of the leading makers of auto BCMs and other auto electronic products in the US.
Moreover, the Cardone 73-71001 BCM unit is heavier than other ACDelco BCM with a weight of 1.22 pounds (19.52 ounces). Furthermore, this body controller is also thicker as it has a thickness of 4.1 inches. The length is 7.2 inches while it is 4.5 inches wide.
The A1 Cardone is a lighting control module engineered for quick installation and low maintenance. That’s correct! This BCM unit needs no further service when installed. But, you must include this unit in your regular check-up and maintenance as time goes by or when needed.
As Cardone uses top-of-the-line computers to test and re-solder critical parts, you are assured of its quality that exceeds the original equipment component. The unit requires programming.
The ACDelco 15224203 GM Original Equipment BCM works well with most Chevy models. This unit will fit directly to your car or truck as it is an original equipment component that works like the original or even better.
The unit needs programming but you have to bring your vehicle to the nearest dealer as installation requires some delicate task of computer work. However, if you are an auto specialist and you have the tools and hardware, you can do it yourself to save you some bucks.
ACDelco 15224203 just weighs 8.8 ounces and measures 7.4 x 7 x 2.1 inches. These dimensions are perfect for large trucks or cars.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Did you enjoy reading our list for today? We hope you do.
You may be wondering why we listed mostly ACDelco BCMs and just one different product (Cardone). Well, most of our readers own GM-made vehicles and we are obliged to provide them with the different sizes and the number of ports of ACDelco BCM products, so they can analyze and easily figure out what model should they buy.
Moreover, we promise to give non-GM owners their choices on our future articles. Although we provide almost similar BCM units, they differ in sizes, weights, coverage, ports, capacity, and other distinctive features.
This best body control module list is what its all about, they are simply the best there is!