Does it need a new BCM?

Tiny
ALICIA FENTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,500 MILES
One day my car would not start. I tried several times. Took the battery out had it tested and charged put it in and the aftermarket Code Alarm that has been on the car 24 years went nuts. Had to leave the battery disconnected. The alarm was removed by a knowledgeable locksmith. Everything was working fine. Periodically it would have issues including not recognizing the key fob, no power windows or locks, no radio, etc. I would try and reprogram the security system and things would work for a while. One day I try to start it and there's no crank. I tested all the fuses and the 10 amp fuse for the ignition system was blown and it blew immediately when I put another one in. I purchased and installed a new steering column theft deterrent lock. Also I installed a new battery. The fuse no longer blows but still no crank. I tried reprogramming the security system again and now it starts and I have locks, windows, radio etc. I have not had any starting issues for a week. But after this last reprogramming, the airbag light stays on and a chime goes off immediately when I put on a turn signal. My locksmith friend said it might be the body control module going bad. Any thoughts on this problem?
Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 AT 12:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
It does sound like the BCM is going out but to be sure we should do a CAN scan. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is the location and how to change the BCM out which you can send in for testing and get a pre-programmed unit as well for easy installation. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
ALICIA FENTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I purchased a remanufactured BCM and after doing the recommended approximate 30-minute reset process, 3 out of 4 of the issues are resolved. No turn signal chime, the doors lock and unlock when putting it in and out of gear, and the remote trunk release works. The airbag light remains on. I'm doing more research on that and will get a code scan done soon.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Sounds good, we need codes to see what else is wrong, I have seen the BCM reprogram miss some things so you might need to send it back to be redone. FYI.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 AT 9:24 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links