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 2 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 2 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.(AUO option)
    • Passlock theft deterrent.
    • Content Theft (UA6 option)
    • Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Audible Warnings

    • 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.

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.

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.

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 2 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 2 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.

Content Theft (UA6 option)

The Body Control Module features a content theft deterrent system which is designed to defer vehicle vandalism and theft. The content theft deterrent system performs these functions:

    • Flashes the headlamps
    • Sounds the horns
    • Disables fuel delivery to the engine

The BCM monitors the following:

    • Status of the doors
    • Lock cylinders
    • Rear compartment lid
    • Power door locks
    • The keyless entry system

The BCM operates the headlamps, horns and the theft deterrent indicator, thats in the radio, according to the mode of operation the system is in. The BCM also communicates a fuel enable signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when the system is armed. Refer to Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) Operation in Theft Deterrent for more information.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The 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 ON or ACCESSORY position to the LOCK position:

    • The radio
    • The power windows
    • The power sunroof (if equipped)

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

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 2 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. The BCM then communicates the 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 the LOCK, ACCESSORY or the ON position.

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 2 serial data link.
    • The ignition switch is in the OFF position.
    • 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 two grounds. The voltage feed circuits are used to provide power for the BCM's logic, courtesy lights, internal driver operation and the door locks.

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:

    • A/C Request: Provides the BCM with a request signal to command the A/C compressor through the PCM via Class 2 serial data.
    • 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.
    • Dome Lamp Switch Input: Determines when the dome lamp switch (Headlamp Switch) is closed to request the dome lamp on.
    • Door Lock Switch: Door lock switch request to lock and unlock the vehicle doors.
    • Door Locks: Provides voltage for door lock actuator operation.
    • Door Open: Provides door ajar status.
    • Driver Door Open: Allows certain chime functions when the driver's door is open.
    • DRL Signal Low: This input provides the BCM with Information through an ambient light sensor for the DRL feature.
    • Exterior Lamps Off: Determines when the headlamp switch is in the OFF position.
    • Fog Lamp Switch input: This input provides the BCM with a request for fog lamps through a momentary switch connected to ground.
    • Headlamp Switch Input: Determines when the Headlamp switch is closed to request the headlamps on.
    • High Beam: Determines the status of the headlamp dimmer switch, so the BCM can send the instrument cluster a message, via Class 2, to turn on the high beam indicator.
    • Ignition 0 Signal: Determines when the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY, ON or START position.
    • Ignition 1 Signal: Determines when the ignition switch is in the ON and START positions.
    • Key In Ignition: Determines when the key is fully inserted in the ignition key cylinder.
    • Key Unlock: Determines the status of the door lock cylinder switches for content theft.
    • Lamp Request: This input requests the BCM to energize the Battery Rundown Protection relay after the car has been turned off and all the doors have been closed, so the interior lights can be turned on.
    • Park Brake Applied: Determines when the parking brake is applied.
    • Park Lamp Switch Input: Determines when the park lamp switch (Headlamp Switch) is closed to request the park lamps on.
    • Passlock Sensor Data: Reads the Passlock sensor security code.
    • Rear Compartment Ajar: Determines if the rear decklid is open or closed.
    • Rear Compartment Release: This input requests the BCM to open the rear compartment lid.
    • 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, EBCM, Radio, SDM, DIC and the IPC through the Class 2 serial data link.
    • Surveillance Switch Input: Determines when the surveillance switch is closed to request the surveilance mode.
    • Traction Control Request: This input provides the BCM with a request for Traction Control through a momentary switch connected to ground.

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: This output supplies voltage to the door lock actuators when the doors are commanded to lock. This output also supplies ground to all the door lock actuators when the doors are commanded to unlock.
    • Backup Lamp Relay Control: Provides ground to the Backup LP relay control ciruit.
    • BTSI Solenoid Control: Provides ground to the Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock Control Solenoid.
    • Door Unlock: This output supplies voltage to the door lock actuators (except the driver door lock actuator) when the doors are commanded to unlock. This output also supplies ground to all the door lock actuators (except the driver door lock actuator) when the doors are commanded to lock.
    • Driver Door Unlock: This output supplies voltage to the driver door lock actuators when the doors are commanded to unlock. This output also supplies ground to the driver door lock actuator when the doors are commanded to lock.
    • DRL Relay Control: Provides ground to the DRL relay control ciruit.
    • DRL 5V Reference: Provides 5 volts to the ambient light sensor.
    • Inadvertent Load Relay Control Output: Supplies ground to the battery rundown protection relay providing an inadvertent load (battery rundown) protection.
    • 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.
    • Headlamp Relay Control: Provides ground to the Headlamp relay control ciruit.
    • Horn: Sends a ground signal to the horn relay, sounding the horn for the keyless entry alarm function or the content theft system.
    • Inadvertent Relay Control: Provides ground to the Battery Rundown Protection relay control ciruit.
    • Interior Dimming: Controls the voltage to the interior lights dimming system.
    • Load Management Control: Provides voltage to the Rear Defogger relay control ciruit and the Heated Seats.
    • Park Lamp Relay Control: Provides ground to the Park Lamp relay control ciruit.
    • Passlock Sensor Power: Provides B+ for Passlock sensor operation.
    • Passlock Sensor Ground: Provides ground to the Passlock sensor.
    • RAP Relay Control: Provides voltage to the RAP relay control feed ciruit.
    • Rear Compartment Lid Release Output: Provides ground to Rear Compartment Lid Release Actuator.
    • 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, EBCM, Radio, SDM, DIC and the IPC through the Class 2 serial data link.
    • Theater Dimming 1Control: Supplies ground to activate the Footwell lamps.
    • Theater Dimming 2 Control: Supplies ground to activate the inside rear view mirror lamps, non SEO dome lamp, and the roof rail courtesy/reading lamps.