How do I reset my Chevy BCM?

If you're experiencing issues with your Chevy's Body Control Module (BCM), resetting it may be the solution. The BCM is a crucial component that manages various electrical systems in your vehicle, and a reset can help resolve problems like malfunctioning lights, power windows, or other electrical glitches. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Chevy BCM.

Reasons to Reset Your Chevy BCM

There are several reasons why you might need to reset your Chevy BCM:

• Electrical issues: If you're experiencing problems with your vehicle's electrical systems, such as malfunctioning lights, power windows, or other electrical components, a BCM reset may help resolve the issue.


• After a battery replacement: When you replace your vehicle's battery, the BCM may need to be reset to ensure proper communication between the new battery and the electrical systems.


• After a BCM replacement: If you've had to replace the BCM itself, a reset is necessary to ensure the new module is properly integrated with your vehicle's systems.


• Troubleshooting: In some cases, a BCM reset can help troubleshoot and resolve various electrical problems that may be causing issues with your Chevy.

By resetting the BCM, you can often restore proper functionality to your vehicle's electrical systems and address any problems you may be experiencing.

How to Reset Your Chevy BCM

Resetting your Chevy BCM is a straightforward process that can be done at home. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Locate the BCM: The BCM is typically located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Consult your owner's manual or do a quick online search to find the exact location for your Chevy model.


2. Disconnect the battery: Locate the negative (-) battery terminal and disconnect it. This will cut power to the BCM and allow the reset to take place.


3. Wait for the reset: Leave the battery disconnected for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the BCM to fully reset and clear any stored error codes or settings.


4. Reconnect the battery: Once the 15 minutes have passed, reconnect the negative battery terminal. This will restore power to the BCM and allow it to reboot with the default settings.


5. Verify the reset: Start your Chevy and check if the electrical issues have been resolved. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance from a professional mechanic.

Remember, always exercise caution when working on your vehicle's electrical systems, and consult your owner's manual or a professional if you're unsure about any step in the process.

How to tell if BCM is bad?

A bad Body Control Module (BCM) can be identified by a wide range of symptoms, including malfunctioning electrical components like power windows and locks, erratic interior/exterior lights, and dashboard warning lights that may not be tied to a specific issue. Other signs include a dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, and problems with the security system or climate control. If you see multiple electrical systems failing at once, it's a strong indicator of a BCM problem. 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad BCM: 1mFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Mar 9, 2023
Electrical and lighting issues 

• Erratic lights: Headlights, taillights, turn signals, or interior lights may flicker, stay on, or turn off unexpectedly. 
• Power window/lock problems: Power windows may stop working, and power door locks could lock/unlock on their own or fail to respond. 
• Accessory malfunctions: Power seats, mirrors, and the radio may act up or stop working. 

Starting and security problems 

• Failure to start: The vehicle may fail to start, sometimes due to the security system not recognizing the key. 
• Battery drain: A faulty BCM can cause a parasitic draw, leading to a dead battery. 
• Security system issues: The alarm may activate randomly, fail to arm, or have problems with keyless entry. 

This video discusses the impact of a bad BCM on starting and security systems: 59sE H Car_net YouTube · Oct 7, 2025
Dashboard and communication errors

• Warning lights: The check engine light or other warning lights on the dashboard may come on, sometimes with no clear explanation. 
• Communication failure: The BCM communicates with other control modules; when it fails, it can cause other systems to malfunction, leading to error codes like U0140 ("Lost Communication With Body Control Module"). 

Other symptoms

• Climate control issues: The AC or heater may not respond to adjustments or maintain a consistent temperature. 
• Wiper problems: Wipers may operate intermittently or not at all. 

You can watch this video to see how a bad BCM can affect the climate control system: 55sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Oct 14, 2023
Next steps

• Use a scan tool: Connect an OBD2 scan tool to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes, which can point directly to a BCM issue.
• Rule out other causes: Before replacing the BCM, rule out simpler problems like a blown fuse or bad individual components, such as the power window motor or door control module. 

Does a new BCM need to be programmed on a Chevy?

Chevrolet BCMs require programming to synchronize with the vehicle's other control modules. Use a factory-authorized scan tool to program the new module with the correct VIN and calibrations. Reconnect the battery and perform a full system check.

What scan tool resets BCM?

The THINKSCAN PLUS S4 is a 5-inch touchscreen OBD2 car diagnostic scanner tool that can reset 5 systems. It is designed to diagnose and reset the following systems: ABS, SRS, Engine, Transmission, and BCM.

How to reset body control module Chevy?

To reset a Chevy BCM, you can perform a "battery disconnect" method or a "relearn procedure." The battery disconnect method involves disconnecting the negative battery terminal, waiting 15-30 minutes to drain residual power, and then reconnecting it. For a relearn procedure, especially after a replacement, you cycle the key from the ON position to the START position and back to ON for a 10-minute period, repeating this three times to clear a security light.
 
Battery disconnect method
This video demonstrates how to perform a battery disconnect to reset the BCM: 1mMystery Mechanic YouTube · Jun 7, 2025

1. Disconnect the battery: With the vehicle off, disconnect the negative battery cable first, followed by the positive cable. 
2. Drain residual power: Press the brake pedal for about 15 seconds to help drain any remaining power from the system. 
3. Wait: Leave the battery disconnected for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the BCM to fully reset. 
4. Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the positive cable first, then the negative cable. 
5. Start the vehicle: Start the car and test the electrical systems. Some radio presets may be lost. 

Relearn procedure (for specific issues like security light)
This video explains the relearn procedure to resolve security light issues: 49sSpartan AutoworxYouTube · Jan 1, 2017

1. Turn the ignition on: With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position. 
2. Attempt to start: Try to start the engine, then release the key back to the ON position. 
3. Observe security light: Watch the "SECURITY" telltale. It will remain on for about 10 minutes. 
4. Cycle and repeat: Once the light turns off, turn the ignition off for 5 seconds. Repeat the process (turn to ON, attempt start and release, wait for light) two more times. 
5. Start the vehicle: After three full cycles, the security light should be off, and the vehicle should start. 

Important considerations

• Consult the owner's manual: The specific procedure can vary by model, so it is best to consult your owner's manual. 
• Professional help: If you are not comfortable with these procedures or the problem persists, consult a professional. 
• Diagnostic tools: For more complex issues, an OBD-II tool may be necessary to scan for error codes and perform more advanced resets.