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Body control module

Tiny
CHARLES BARTON
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
I've had problems where the headlights and interior dash lights would flash on and off both with the engine running and when it is shut off. Also the wipers would stop working in the intermittent setting and would run on at times after they were shut off. Now I can't start the vehicle, and when I try, the relay in the PDC clicks repeatedly until you disconnect the battery. My mechanic says it's the bcm, and that chrysler has to code it before it can be installed. Seeing as money is tight, I'd like to do this as cheaply as possible. Could it be a bad ground? And if not, is the bcm something I can pick up at a junk yard and put in without coding. Or could I get one from the junk yard and have it recoded?
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Saturday, September 20th, 2008 AT 8:21 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
This is the procedure to replace the BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) in case all tested OK and u need to replace it

Removal
1.Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove lower steering column cover and knee blocker reinforcement.
Disconnect harness connectors from BCM. The BCM is located behind junction block.
Remove bolts securing junction block to dash panel mounting bracket.

2.Remove junction block.
Remove screws securing BCM to junction block.
Slide BCM downward to disengage guide studs on junction block from channels on BCM mounting bracket.
Remove BCM from junction block.

To install, reverse removal procedure.

check all fuses
try and locate the BCM and disconnect it for a few minutes and then reconnect
remove relay that clicking and test its connector turn key on you should have power on at least one
try to start 2nd wire should power up
one should be grounded


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_CHRY1_2.jpg

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Sunday, September 21st, 2008 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
GINGERRVH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 220,000 MILES
Having problems with instrument panel and per a question and answer on your site, it was reccommended to check this BCM. I need to know where it is. Thanks
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
On junction block behind the left side of the dash
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
IDENIZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 109,000 MILES
I took my van to the dealer, and they told me that the BCM needs to be replaced. However, I have been trying to remove it so that I can replace it, and I have not been able to do so. Can you please tell me how to remove it?

Thanks,

Richard Denizard
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM)

Removal
1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove lower steering column cover and knee blocker reinforcement.
Disconnect harness connectors from BCM. The BCM is located behind junction block.
Remove bolts securing junction block to dash panel mounting bracket.

2. Remove junction block.
Remove screws securing BCM to junction block.
Slide BCM downward to disengage guide studs on junction block from channels on BCM mounting bracket.
Remove BCM from junction block.

To install, reverse removal procedure.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NOCKI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,400 MILES
I replaced my BCM about 9 months ago with an exact number and year secondhand part, it has run great for 9 months. Last week it died and I was getting he same noise emitting fro the BCM when I turned the key. Is this a bad ground and where is the grund for the BCM attached to the body?
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
On each side of the instrument panel are the two ground locations the BCM uses both. You'll have to open each door remove a trim panel and look up each side on the body. It's two 10mm screws and they have multiple ground straps you may remove and clean up. Every component is so ground oriented I wanted to start doing this as part of a 60,000 mile service. A ground service. But since people might think they were at an airport, I just do those and the engine compartment spots. OK good luck. A 24 volt system would eliminate all these problems. But what do I know. Thanks
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
QVMRRC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
The gauges on my instrument panel occasionally drop to zero. This appears to be heat related as it occures when the heater has been on and the car interior is warm. When the car cools the gauges function properly. This happened when the car was new and the dealer replaced the body control module. Where is this located?
This problem has occured in the summer when the car has been parked in the sun. Rapping the dash above the instrument cluster will sometime bring the gauges back.
Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BILLYMAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,204 POSTS
Hi billymac here. Most likely yes the body computer it is located on the pass side kick panel where your right foot would be. However since you say you are able to hit the dash and make it work sometimes. Here is what I would do first remove the cluster clean and adjust the terminals on the plug and the instrument cluster. Be sure you disconnect the neg cable, and you will need to go to the parts store and buy a memory saver first. It is actually just a 9 volt batt with a adapter on it that plugs into your cigarette lighter. This will keep all the preset and computer memories while power is removed temporarilly. Hope this helps billymac
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KREISELRENEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
Where is the body control module located
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Body control module ( BCM) is located on junction block, behind left side of dash.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN DOWNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My tachometer, fuel guage and speedometer do not work along with the automatic door locks. In addition the radio gets no power (yes I checked the fuses for this one). My mechanic suggests that the bcm is the culprit for all of these problems. What do you think?
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KLSHIEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 163 POSTS
The BCM is definatelly a suspect, but I would put alot of time crawling all over the vehicle and trouble shoot the entire vehicle before switching out the BCM because it is unusual that a computer fails and they can be expensive.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GREGC314
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 161,000 MILES
Good morning. From everything I have read, there are only 4 different BCM's for this model, correct? Mine is for no security, power locks. If I replace my BCM with the exact same part number from the junk yard, it is an absolute that the unit needs to be "flashed"?
What does flashing do, and can someone other than a dealer do it. What equipment is needed to flash? Thank you
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
In 1998 the BCM was not yet re-programmable, only the TCM and the PCM. Get the correct number and you shouldn't have any problems. This is the smart way to replace any computer, by matching the part number. No matter where you buy one. When the manufacturer has complaints about certain things regarding the operations of any computer or they realize a mistake regarsding the software program was done, they put a service bulletin out, for their dealers, describing the problem and making a new flash available. With Chrysler a DRBIII is used through their main frame online to re-programm. It takes around 1 minute. A new sticker must be used to alert the next technician and owner it has been re-programmed. The new part number is on a couple stickers and placed right on the computer and vehicle under the hood. Ok
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NDY-HK1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
1997 Dodge Caravan

Hi,
My van speedometer and rpm meter inop. And auto shop said need to replace the bcm and need to reprogrammed the new bcm for the same milage of my van. I never heard of bcm affect the speedometer and programmed bcm. Is it ture?
Thanks.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Look for a fuse called IOD and/or Memory IOD under hood in the power distribution box. Remove the one labeled IOD or Memory IOD for at least 30 seconds and then reinsert it. The BCM can simply get hung and this should reset it for you.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ORLANDO1074
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • DODGE CARAVAN
I need to find the body control module in a 1998 dodge caravan? Any diagrams would help. I need to check it for a cluster going bad or a ground wire broke I could use any help?
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Yes it is usually located halfway between the dashboard and halfway behind the center console. Sometimes you can see some of it.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LOCHIANO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • DODGE CARAVAN
In a 1998 Dodge Caravan does the Power Control Module also support the dashboard gages? Or are there two different control modules (one for the engine and one for the Dashboard).

I have been having intermitent times when the dashboard guages do not work at all. During these times, the engine runs properly.

I recently changed out the PCM due to stalling. I am wondering if this might also address the dashboard guage problems.
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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 9:06 AM (Merged)

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