BCM Overview
The body control module (BCM) is a integrated module that combines functions
and features from a normal control module and an body electrical center. There are
4 electrical interfaces that exist between the BCM and the rest of the vehicle.
There are 2 connections from the BCM to both the body wiring harness and the
instrument panel wiring harness. The BCM contains fuses and relays that are serviceable.
The main features of the BCM are:
• | The BCM is the gateway between class 2 serial data circuit and
high speed GMLAN serial data circuit. |
• | The BCM controls multiple functions. |
• | The BCM controls electrical power management. |
• | The BCM is the power mode master. |
Gateway
The body control module (BCM) is the gateway between class 2 serial data
circuit and high speed GMLAN serial data circuit. The purpose of the gateway is to
transfer serial data messages from one subnet to another.
BCM Functions
The body control module (BCM) performs multiple body control functions. The
BCM can control devices directly connected to its outputs based on input information.
The BCM evaluates this information and controls certain body control systems by commanding
outputs on or off. The BCM inputs can be:
• | Sensors and switches that are directly connected to the BCM |
• | Class 2 serial data messages received from other vehicle systems
connected to the class 2 serial data link |
• | GMLAN serial data messages received from other vehicles systems connected
to the high speed GMLAN serial data link |
The BCM is also capable of controlling other vehicle systems that are not directly
wired to the BCM. The BCM does this by sending specific messages on the class 2
serial data link or high speed GMLAN serial data link. The system capable of performing
the required function will respond to the BCM messages.
Some of the other system functions that BCM controls or contributes to are:
Electrical Load Management
The body control module (BCM) controls electric power management following an
idle boost and a load shed algorithm. The load shed control algorithm will deactivate
electrical loads if the idle boost algorithm is unable to maintain system voltage.
If idle boost is active for a certain amount of time and the system voltage is still
below a set value, then load shed will command the heated seats, HVAC blower, and
rear defog to deactivate periodically. The deactivations will be cycled such that
the customer may not observe limited operation. The duty cycle will be controlled
independently by each of heated seats, HVAC blower, and rear defog. If idle boost
continues to be active, the engine RPM low, and the system voltage remains low, then
load shed will command the heated seats, HVAC blower, and rear defog to deactivate
completely. When this occurs, the driver information center (DIC) will display "Battery
Saver Active". Once the idle boost becomes unnecessary or the engine RPM is
above a set value, and the system voltage is above a set value, the load shed algorithm
will command the heated seats, HVAC blower, and rear defog to resume normal operation.
Power Mode
The BCM is the power mode master (PMM). Refer to
Power Mode Description and Operation
for more information.