GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This vehicle is equipped with a body control module (BCM). The BCM performs multiple body control functions and engine control functions. The following vehicle systems are directly connected to the BCM:

    • Retained accessory power (RAP)
    • Audible warnings
    • The interior lighting
    • The door locks
    • The keyless entry
    • The PASS-Key® II theft deterrent
    • The trunk release

This vehicle also has the following systems:

    • The powertrain control module (PCM)
    • The electronic brake traction control module (EBTCM)
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC)

These vehicle systems communicate with each other on an interconnecting bus, known as the Class 2 serial data link.

Some electrical components are directly connected and controlled by their system module. Other systems accomplish this feature by sharing data information with other systems on the Class 2 serial data link in order to execute various vehicle functions. All of the system data information (sensors, switches, etc.) may be monitored by any system module that completes the computer system.

All systems on the Class 2 serial data link use a communication process similar to a telephone system. Large amounts of information may be exchanged on a single data wire.

Communications between each system is accomplished by sending a digitally coded message. The digitally coded message consists of specific information a system module must follow. Each system module is assigned a recognition code (address). When a message is sent out on the Class 2 serial data link, the BCM provides more accurate and reliable computer system control functions. The BCM uses information from other systems in order to execute some functions. Before further diagnosis, review the following general information:

    • The BCM computer system operation
    • The system interactions with the BCM

Reviewing this information will save diagnostic time, avoid misdiagnosis, and prevent unnecessary parts replacement

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 controls the outputs based on the following information:

    • The input information obtained from the sensors and the switches that are directly connected to the BCM
    • Borrowing information from other vehicle systems that are connected to the Class 2 serial data link

The BCM evaluates this information and controls the 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 2 serial data link. The vehicle system capable of performing such function will respond to the BCM message.

The BCM performs the following functions:

    • Retained accessory power (RAP)
    • Audible warnings
    • Interior lighting
    • Automatic power door locks
    • Keyless entry
    • PASS-Key® II theft deterrent
    • Trunk release

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The retained accessory power (RAP) feature allows the operation of the following functions for 10 minutes (or until a vehicle door opens) after the ignition switch has been turned from the RUN or ACC to the LOCK or OFF position:

    • The radio
    • The power windows

Refer to Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Operation in Retained Accessory Power for more information.

Audible Warnings

The audible warnings system performs the following functions:

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

Refer to Audible Warnings Circuit Description in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console for more information.

Interior Lighting

The interior lighting system performs the following functions:

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

Refer to Interior Lights Circuit Description in Lighting Systems for more information.

Automatic Door Locks

The automatic door locks system performs the following functions:

    • All door unlock
    • All door lock
    • Last door closed locking
    • Lockout prevention
    • Lockout prevention override
    • Shift into PARK unlock
    • Shift out of PARK lock
    • All door relock
    • Remote driver door unlock
    • Remote all door unlock
    • Remote all door lock
    • Trunk Release
        Opens the rear compartment

The BCM provides feature customization of these door lock functions:

    • Shift out of PARK lock
    • Shift into PARK unlock
    • Last door closed locking

Refer to Power Door Locks Circuit Description in Doors for more information.

Keyless Entry

The keyless entry system performs the following functions:

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

Refer to Keyless Entry System Description in Keyless Entry for more information.

PASS-Key® II Theft Deterrent

The personal automotive security system (PASS-Key® II) is a vehicle theft deterrent system. The PASS-Key® II is designed in order to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine from starting unless an ignition key with a specific resistor pellet code is used in the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition lock cylinder contains the resistor sensing contacts. These contacts touch the resistor pellet embedded in the ignition key. When the ignition key is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder, the resistor pellet completes the key detection circuit (circuit 1073 and circuit 1074).

When the ignition switch is turned from the OFF position to the RUN position, the BCM applies a 5 volt reference voltage to circuit 1073. The BCM reads the resistor pellet code and compares the stored resistor pellet code against the ignition key resistor pellet code for a correct match.

Upon detecting a correct match, the BCM sends a fuel enable password to the PCM through the Class 2 serial data link. As a result, the PCM enables the theft deterrent relay. This action allows fuel delivery to the engine.

If the key resistor pellet is incorrect, the PCM performs the following actions:

    • Disables the theft deterrent relay
    • Stops fuel delivery to the engine

This vehicle disable period state lasts approximately 3 minutes. The SECURITY indicator flashes when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. Disconnecting the battery will not clear the timer sequence. The timer sequence resumes when the battery power is restored. If a proper key is inserted during the vehicle disable period, the vehicle will not start until the 3 minute time period elapses. After the 3 minute time period, the SECURITY indicator changes from a flashing state to a solid ON state. At this time, the BCM enters the theft deterrent re-learn mode. The engine will start if the correct ignition key resistor pellet is used.

Refer to Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD)Circuit Description in Theft Deterrent for more information.

Miscellaneous Functions

Function

Description

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 IPC via the class 2 serial data link.

Day/Night Mode Sensing

The BCM determines the ambient light operating mode from the automatic headlamp control module. The BCM communicates this information to the IPC via the class 2 serial data link.

Door/Trunk Ajar Indicator Lamp Control

The BCM controls the state of the Door/Trunk Ajar indicator lamp based on the status of the door and the rear compartment lid input switches by sending a message to the IPC via the Class 2 serial data link.

Traction Control Switch

The BCM receives a ground signal from the electronic traction control switch.

BCM Wake-Up/Sleep State

The BCM performs this function in the wake-up state. The BCM enters the sleep state when the following conditions exist:

    • Active control of system malfunctions stops.
    • Active monitoring of system malfunctions stops.
    • The BCM is idling.

The BCM must detect certain wake-up inputs before the BCM enters the wake-up state. The BCM monitors the inputs during the sleep state. This condition allows the BCM to switch between the awake state and the sleep state.

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

    • The instrument panel dimmer switch
    • The door lock (ajar) switch
    • The door lock switch
    • A keyless entry system signal
    • An inadvertent power (battery rundown) protection transition
    • The ignition switch in one of the following positions:
       - LOCK
       - OFF
       - RUN
       - ACC

The sleep state occurs when the following conditions exist:

    • The BCM stops active control of the system functions.
    • The BCM stops active monitoring of the system functions.

When the BCM detects a wake-up condition, the BCM enters the wake-up state. The conditions listed above are called Wake-Up Inputs. These wake-up inputs cause the BCM to change from a sleep state to a wake-up state. The BCM then begins 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 the following conditions exist:

    • No activity exists on the Class 2 serial data link.
    • The ignition switch is in the LOCK or the OFF position.
    • The BCM is not commanding any outputs.
    • No delay timers are actively counting.
    • No wake-up inputs are present.