What does the body control module do in a Ford Explorer?

The body control module (BCM) is the central computer for the Explorer’s non-engine systems. It coordinates doors, windows, lights, wipers, and other body electronics, and communicates with other vehicle computers over the CAN network to keep these systems in sync.

In everyday use, the BCM handles functions you rely on daily—locking and unlocking the doors, rolling windows down, turning on interior lighting, managing remote start and security features, and overseeing power to various accessories. It gathers input from sensors and switches and then powers actuators accordingly, while also monitoring for faults and reporting them to other modules.

Core responsibilities of the BCM in the Explorer

The following items are the primary duties of the BCM in most Ford Explorers, covering how it controls body electronics and related functions.

• Controls power windows, door locks, and mirror adjustments, including auto-down and lockout features where equipped


• Manages interior and exterior lighting, such as dome/courtesy lights, dash illumination, headlights, and taillights, including automatic lighting behavior


• Coordinates windshield wipers and washer system, including interval settings and rain-sensing features on supported models


• Handles remote keyless entry, vehicle security, and engine immobilizer functions, including alarm and panic features


• Manages accessory power and ignition-circuit control, including the ignition-cycle logic for electronics and battery saver behavior


• Monitors body-related status signals and communicates diagnostic information to the rest of the vehicle network


• Supports optional comfort and convenience features (where equipped), such as remote start, lighting delay, and memory-seat integration

These functions illustrate how the BCM acts as a gatekeeper for many of the Explorer’s daily interactions, often without the driver noticing the electronic choreography behind them.

How the BCM interacts with other vehicle systems

The BCM does not operate in isolation. It continuously talks to other control modules via the vehicle’s CAN bus, sharing inputs and status to coordinate complex behaviors like climate control, ABS/brakes, and infotainment features.

• Exchanges data with other modules such as ABS, climate control, instrument cluster, and infotainment to keep status indicators accurate and features synchronized


• Receives inputs from door switches, fob, switches, sensors, and the windshield wiper/rain-sensing system to determine appropriate actions


• Coordinates safety-related functions like remote start, anti-theft coordination, and door/hood ajar alerts


• Manages power distribution to accessory circuits and helps implement battery-saver logic when necessary

Via these communications, the BCM helps ensure that lights illuminate appropriately, doors respond to the remote, and consoles reflect accurate information, even when multiple systems are active simultaneously.

When BCM problems appear and how to handle them

Common symptoms

Several symptoms can indicate a BCM issue, though they may also stem from separate component faults. Look for widespread or intermittent behavior affecting multiple body systems.

• Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirror controls


• Interior or exterior lighting that won’t operate correctly or remains on/off erratically


• Remote keyless entry or alarm functions behaving inconsistently


• Flickering or unusual warning lights on the instrument cluster and other dashboards


• Unexplained failures in features that rely on body electronics, such as wipers, turn signals, or courtesy lights

If you notice a cluster of these symptoms, a professional diagnostic is recommended to determine whether the BCM is at fault or if individual components or wiring are involved.

Diagnosis and repair options

Diagnosing a suspected BCM problem typically involves scanning for diagnostic trouble codes, inspecting related fuses and wiring, and verifying proper communication on the CAN bus. Because the BCM often controls multiple circuits, repairs may require programming or reinitialization of the module to restore proper function.

• Professional diagnostic scan to retrieve BCM-related trouble codes and cross-check module communications


• Inspection of fuses, grounds, and wiring harnesses associated with body circuits


• Software reflash or reprogramming of the BCM, if required, to restore compatibility with other modules and options


• Replacement of the BCM as a last resort when faults are not resolvable through wiring or software fixes, with proper programming and setup for the specific vehicle

Because BCM replacement often involves reprogramming and integration with other systems, this work is typically performed by a dealership or qualified independent shop with the right diagnostic tools.

Summary

The Ford Explorer’s body control module is the central hub for many of the vehicle’s non-engine functions, coordinating doors, windows, lighting, wipers, security features, and accessory power while communicating with other control units across the CAN network. When it functions properly, the BCM runs many conveniences behind the scenes; when it falters, a range of body-electronics symptoms can appear, requiring professional diagnosis and, if needed, programming-enabled repairs or replacement.

What are the symptoms of failing the body control module?

Symptoms of a bad Body Control Module (BCM) include random electrical issues like flashing lights or power windows not working, failure to start, dashboard warning lights, battery drain, and problems with power locks or the security system. Other signs can be erratic instrument cluster readings and communication errors between vehicle systems. 
Common symptoms

• Electrical malfunctions:
  • Interior and exterior lights flicker, flash randomly, or don't work. 
  • Power windows, locks, and mirrors stop working or move erratically. 
  • The horn, wipers, or radio may not function properly. 
  • HVAC system issues, such as the AC not working. 
• Starting and power problems:
  • The engine fails to start or crank. 
  • Rapid or unexplained battery drain. 
• Instrument cluster and warning lights:
  • The Check Engine light illuminates. 
  • Dashboard warning lights come on, or instrument cluster gauges act erratically. 
• Security and communication issues:
  • The vehicle's security system or keyless entry malfunctions. 
  • Communication errors between vehicle modules or accessories, leading to strange behavior like using the turn signal activating the horn. 

What to do 
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed by a professional, as a bad BCM can cause a variety of electrical problems.

What is the recall on the Ford Explorer BCM?

A 2025 Ford Explorer is included in a recall (25C42) due to a defective Body Control Module (BCM) that can cause trailer taillights to fail when towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles have improperly soldered components on the BCM's circuit board, which can also cause issues like inoperative windows, mirrors, and HVAC systems. Ford will perform the recall service for free, and owners are being notified by mail starting October 13, 2025.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about Ford's recent recalls: 41sFOX19 NOW | CincinnatiYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
Affected vehicles and symptoms

• Vehicles affected: Certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models manufactured between November 29, 2023, and June 6, 2025. 
• Primary issue: A defective Body Control Module C (BCMC) with improperly soldered components can prevent trailer lights from illuminating while towing. 
• Other potential symptoms: Inoperative power windows or mirrors, HVAC problems, inoperative USB ports, and a malfunctioning glove box light or horn. 

What to do

• Check for recalls: You can check if your VIN is part of the recall by visiting Ford's recall page or the NHTSA website. 
• Contact a dealer: Ford dealers will inspect and repair the BCM for free. 
• Wait for notification: Ford began mailing owner notification letters on October 13, 2025. 
• Fix timeline: A final fix for the recall is expected by April 2026, with an interim notice sent first to owners. 

What are the symptoms of a bad body control module?

Symptoms of a bad body control module (BCM) include erratic or non-functional power features like windows, door locks, and lights, as well as security system problems, battery drain, and the vehicle failing to start. Other signs are a malfunctioning HVAC system, unusual warning lights on the dashboard, and communication error codes, such as U0140. 
Electrical and lighting issues 

• Erratic or failing lights: Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals may flicker, flash randomly, stay on, or not work at all. 
• Power accessory malfunction: Power windows, door locks, power mirrors, and power seats may stop working or operate incorrectly. 
• HVAC problems: The air conditioning and heating system may not respond to adjustments or fail completely. 

Security and starting problems 

• Security system errors: Issues with the factory alarm, keyless entry, or immobilizer system can occur, such as false alarms or failure to lock/unlock properly. 
• Failure to start: A bad BCM can prevent the engine from starting by not communicating with the Engine Control Module (ECM) or recognizing the key. 

Other indicators

• Battery drain: A faulty BCM can cause a parasitic draw, leading to the battery draining quickly when the vehicle is off. 
• Dashboard warning lights: Multiple warning lights on the dashboard may come on simultaneously. 
• Communication errors: Diagnostic scans may show error codes, particularly U0140, which means "Lost Communication With Body Control Module". 

What happens if the BCM fails?

A faulty BCM can result in electrical malfunctions within a vehicle, manifesting as problems with headlights, taillights, and interior lights.