Questions on body control module replacement

**REGAL GUY** · 10-27-2015

2001 Buick regal LS problem seams to be cant turn headlights off {ha ha better then no headlights I guess}
Have tried a few headlight switches no difference.
High and low beams change so I don't think its the steering column switch
I don't know if the light sensor ever goes bad that on top of the dash sunlight or dark no difference in the light
dimming on the cluster or radio.
So thinking bad body control module so here is the questions
1 So you can just get used one out of a yard or one from like auto zone?
2 We have access to a TECH 2 for this year and model is this all we need
to reprogram the used or new body module to work on the car?

**Boone570** · 01-05-2016

Body control modules are not a swap computer. Once its mated to a vehicle its locked

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**REGAL GUY** · 01-06-2016

so how do you replace it ?

**BrandonHall10** · 01-06-2016

Originally Posted by Boone570

Body control modules are not a swap computer. Once its mated to a vehicle its locked

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I must have gotten really lucky with mine then... Plug and play.

**Boone570** · 01-06-2016

Must have gotten lucky. Diff bcms have a rpo codelist that need to be correct for the vehicle. And u need either tech 2 or sps to program.

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**Scottydoggs** · 01-06-2016

if you were to change any of the computer parts it needs to be the same exact part # on it.

maybe the solar sensor is messed up? its under that black bubble on the dash.

**Turbocharged400sbc** · 01-06-2016

a good quality scanner even an old snap on red brick will be able to tell you whether the BCM is triggering the lights without a headlight input or whether it thinks it's Twilight. etc.
first swapping the BCM he is correct it does need to have the correct coding for the vehicle options as on the newer cars the BCM is the primary control unit for everything.

**BrandonHall10** · 01-06-2016

Originally Posted by Boone570

Must have gotten lucky. Diff bcms have a rpo codelist that need to be correct for the vehicle. And u need either tech 2 or sps to program.

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Sorry, it's hard to convey sarcasm in text. Luck was not a factor.

Certain BCM's need programming and others don't. My car is old enough, the BCM is plug and play. Like Scotty said, the part number must match what you have/ RPO code.

**Scottydoggs** · 01-06-2016

and your know the lights are on a timer too right? they stay one for a minute after you turn off the car unless you pull the light switch to on then turn it off. then the head lights turn off asap for me.

**REGAL GUY** · 01-07-2016

so the correct answer how to replace it is junk yard with same # and use a tech 2??

**Turbocharged400sbc** · 01-07-2016

what im saying is that ive had ground issues cause lights to stay on since the relay is activated due to backflow of current.

if you want to just replace the bcm, go ahead....its possible your lights will still be on though if it is a ground/wiring fault.

a snap on MT2500 (aka the red brick-an old scanner) will be able to talk to the bcm, and find out whether the bcm is seeing lights commanded on/or any other condition thats not normal.

diagnose, dont just replace.

but by all means, if you want to drop in a bcm only to find out later that the relay ground rubbed through and the real fix to the problem was 2 cents of electrical tape....

just sayin'

**REGAL GUY** · 01-08-2016

I thank every one for all the help but if I need to end up replacing the BCM what is the exact way its done? same part # from junk yard? and a tech 2 OR?????

**Scottydoggs** · 01-08-2016

i changed mine trying to fix my abs issues. from what i can tell from my own searching is it needs to be from the same year car, and be the exact same part# on the module.

oh super pita to find the right one too. got mine for morads ebay listings. sadly, it did not fix my issues or cause any new ones.

you need to pull yours out to get the part# of the sticker, then search high and low for it.

**CrazyGuy03** · 01-08-2016

Any idea if the issue is with the DRL module box under the dash by the hood latch ?

**REGAL GUY** · 01-09-2016

thank you I will check the DRL module but back to the BCM when you go to the parts store and get a
and says must be flashed on car do you use a TECH 2 ? OR ???
Any one know ???

Cardone Remanufactured - Body Control Computer Line: A1 | Part # 73-8970
$85.99 Each
Plus Core $85.00
Add To Cart Add to Shopping List
Availability

Ship to Home: Available

Free Pick Up In-Store: Usually Avail. 2-3 Days

Find store with item

1 year limited warranty
Remanufactured
Units Must Be Flashed On The Vehicle
Vehicle Specific On-Car Programming Must Be Performed After Install To Prevent Drivability Issues
With OE Number: 9388970
New Or Remanufactured: Remanufactured

**Scottydoggs** · 01-09-2016

means just that, you need a tech 2 scanner to install it. either a dealer ship, or a shop with a tech 2. and those seem to be hard to find. at least here.

**CrazyGuy03** · 01-09-2016

The DRL module failed in another regal and it caused the brake light not to come
on and the turn signal also not to work. A few times when the module was being removed and re installed , it caused the headlights to come on by themselves as well

**REGAL GUY** · 01-10-2016

So it seams you can use a junk yard BCM with same # you just need a TECH 2 or a TECH 2 clone out of china at a cost about $325.00 the
DRL module seams to actual be part of the BCM
As far as I can tell but I could be wrong

**joeinformed** · 07-12-2017

I am having problems with my BCM. It is causing my Grand Prix's temp gauge to go up. Problem is I have to take it to a dealer that is 40 miles away to get it fixed am and not sure if it is just a gauge error or it will over heat. Can I install the BCM myself and just take it in to be programmed? Will it run if I replace it without programming it?

**231FUN** · 07-12-2017

Originally Posted by joeinformed

I am having problems with my BCM. It is causing my Grand Prix's temp gauge to go up. Problem is I have to take it to a dealer that is 40 miles away to get it fixed am and not sure if it is just a gauge error or it will over heat. Can I install the BCM myself and just take it in to be programmed? Will it run if I replace it without programming it?

What makes you think it's the BCM and not an issue with the cooling system or coolant temp sensor itself?