GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

BCM Functions

The Body Control Module (BCM) is capable of accomplishing multiple body control functions. Components directly connected to the BCM are controlled by the BCM's outputs. The BCM can control its outputs based on input information it obtains from sensors and switches that are directly connected to the BCM, or by borrowing information from other vehicle systems connected to the Class II serial data link. The BCM evaluates this information and controls certain body systems by commanding an output on or off.

The BCM is also capable of commanding other vehicle systems to control functions that are not directly wired and/or controlled by the BCM. The BCM accomplishes this task by sending specific messages on the Class II serial data link. The vehicle system capable of performing such function will respond to the BCM message.

The BCM performs these functions:

    • Audible warnings.
    • Interior lighting.
    • Automatic door locks.
    • Keyless entry.
    • Passlock theft deterrent.

Audible Warnings

    • Key in ignition reminder.
    • Fasten seat belt reminder.
    • Fasten belts indicator control.
    • Parking brake reminder.
    • Turn signal reminder.
    • Headlamps ON reminder.
    • Last door closed locking confirmation.
    • Feature customization.

Interior Lighting

    • Interior illumination control.
    • Delayed illumination.
    • Illuminated entry.
    • Exit illumination.
    • Theater dimming.
    • Keyless entry unlock illumination.
    • Inadvertent load (battery rundown) protection.

Automatic Door Locks

    • All door unlock.
    • All door lock.
    • Last door closed locking.
    • Lockout prevention.
    • Lockout prevention override.
    • Shift into PARK unlock.
    • Shift out of PARK lock.
    • Remote driver door unlock.
    • Remote all door unlock.
    • Remote all door lock.

The BCM provides feature customization of these door lock functions: shift out of PARK lock, shift into PARK unlock, and last door closed locking.

Keyless Entry

    • Remote driver door unlock.
    • Remote all door unlock.
    • Remote all door lock.
    • Remote activation verification.
    • Remote alarm.
    • Feature customization of remote activation verification.

Passlock Theft Deterrent

The Passlock is a vehicle theft deterrent system. The Passlock theft deterrent system contains a Passlock sensor. The Passlock sensor is part of the ignition lock cylinder assembly. The Body Control Module (BCM) provides power and ground to the Passlock sensor. The Passlock sensor interfaces with the BCM through the Passlock detection circuit 1836.

When turning the ignition switch to the start position with the proper key, the Passlock sensor generates an analog voltage signal. This signal is sent through the Passlock detecting circuit. This analog voltage signal is of a specific value to the vehicle, and varies from vehicle to vehicle. When attempting to start the engine, the BCM compares a preset stored analog voltage value with the signal coming from the sensor. Because both values match, the BCM sends a fuel enable password via the Class II serial data link to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a result, the PCM enables the crank relay, and allows fuel delivery to the engine.

When attempting to start the engine by means other than using the proper key in the ignition switch, the Passlock sensor sends an analog voltage signal of a different value. The BCM compares the preset stored analog voltage value with the signal coming from the sensor. Because both values do not match, the BCM sends a fuel disable password via the Class II serial data link to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). As a result, the PCM disables the crank relay, and does not allow fuel delivery to the engine.

Miscellaneous Functions

    • BRAKE indicator lamp control: The BCM controls the state of the BRAKE indicator lamp based on the status of the parking brake switch by sending a message to the instrument cluster via the Class II serial data link.
    • Fog lamp enable control. The BCM controls fog lamp operation, based on the status of the ignition switch.
    • Day/night mode sensing: The BCM determines the ambient light operating mode from the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) control module. Then, it communicates this information to the instrument cluster and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) via the Class 2 serial data link.

BCM Wake-Up/Sleep State

The BCM performs its functions in the wake-up state. The BCM enters the sleep state when active control or monitoring of system malfunctions has stopped, or when the BCM is idling. The BCM must detect certain wake-up inputs before entering the wake-up state. The BCM monitors its inputs during the sleep state, allowing the BCM to switch between the two states, awake or asleep.

The BCM enters the wake-up state when receiving activity on any of these inputs:

    • I/P dimmer switch.
    • Door lock (ajar) switch.
    • Door lock switch.
    • A keyless entry system signal.
    • Inadvertent power (battery rundown) protection transition.
    • The ignition is turned to off, accessory or on.

The sleep state is when the BCM has stopped active control and monitoring of system functions and has become idle again. For the BCM to enter the wake-up state, the BCM must detect a wake-up condition, mentioned previously. These conditions are called wake-up inputs that cause the BCM to change from a sleep to a wake-up state and begin active control and monitoring. The BCM has the ability to monitor for these wake-up inputs in the sleep state.

The BCM enters the sleep state when all of these conditions exist:

    • No activity on the Class II serial data link.
    • The ignition switch is off.
    • The BCM is not commanding any outputs.
    • No delay timers are actively counting (during theft deterrent re-learn).
    • No wake-up inputs are present.

Power Requirements

The BCM has three main voltage feeds and one ground. Circuit 2340 is used to provide power for the BCM's logic and internal driver operation. Circuit 1540 provides power for the automatic door lock. Circuit 240 provides power to the courtesy lights.

BCM Inputs

The following components provide direct input to the BCM, plus other systems can use this input information in order to carry out certain functions:

    • BCM Ground: Provides ground for BCM operation.
    • BCM Power: Provides voltage for BCM operation.
    • Courtesy Lights On: Provides the driver the ability to request illumination of the vehicle interior.
    • Crank Signal: Determines when the ignition switch is in the start position.
    • DRL Link: Provides an interface to the DRL control module allowing the BCM to determine the current ambient light operating mode for the twilight sentinel feature.
    • Door Lock Switch: Door lock switch request to lock vehicle doors.
    • Door Locks: Provides voltage for door lock actuator operation.
    • Door Open: Provides door ajar status.
    • Door Unlock Switch: Door lock switch request to unlock vehicle doors.
    • Driver Door Open: Allows certain chime functions when the driver's door is open.
    • Driver Seat Belt Unfastened: Determines when the driver's seat belt is unfastened through the seat belt switch.
    • Exterior Lamps Off: Determines when the headlamp switch is in the OFF position.
    • Ignition 0 Signal: Determines when the ignition switch is in accessory, on, or start position.
    • Ignition 1 Signal: Determines when the ignition switch is on and start positions.
    • Illuminated Entry: Determines when an exterior door handle is pulled for interior courtesy light operation.
    • Key In Ignition: Determines when the key is fully inserted in the ignition key cylinder.
    • Park Brake Applied: Determines when the parking brake is applied.
    • Passlock Sensor Data: Reads the Passlock sensor security code.
    • RFA Link: Provides an interface allowing the transfer of keyless entry information from the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR).
    • Serial Data: provides an interface with the PCM, EBTCM, and the IPC through the Class II serial data link.

BCM Outputs

The BCM directly controls these outputs, plus other systems may request the BCM to control these outputs for certain functions:

    • All Door Lock: When active, supplies voltage to the door lock actuators and locks the doors; when inactive, provides ground to the door lock actuators.
    • Courtesy Lights B+ Output: Supplies voltage to the courtesy lights, providing an inadvertent load (battery rundown) protection.
    • Driver Door Unlock: Supplies ground to the door lock relay, which provides power to the driver door actuator, and unlocks the driver's door lock.
    • DRL Link: Provides an interface to the DRL control module allowing the BCM to determine the current ambient light operating mode, and to activate the vehicle headlamps for alarm.
    • Fog Lamp Enable Control: Sends a ground signal to the fog lamp switch when the ignition switch on; this action enables the fog lamp switch. The fog lamps turn on when the fog lamp switch is enabled by the BCM.
    • Horn: Sends a ground signal to the horn relay, sounding the horn for the keyless entry alarm function.
    • Passlock Sensor Power: Provides B+ for Passlock sensor operation.
    • Passlock Sensor Ground: Provides ground to the Passlock sensor.
    • Passenger Door Unlock: When active, supplies voltage to the door lock actuators and unlocks the doors (except the driver's door); when inactive, provides ground to the door lock actuators.
    • RFA Link: Provides an interface allowing the transfer of keyless entry information to the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR).
    • Serial Data: provides an interface with the PCM, EBTCM, and the instrument cluster through the Class II serial data link.
    • Theater Dimming 1: Supplies ground to activate the I/P and door courtesy lamps.
    • Theater Dimming 2: Supplies ground to activate the dome and the roof rail courtesy/reading lamps.