73-7809F — Remanufactured Body Control Computer

Installation Instructions

Before replacing the original BCM, make sure the BCM chassis grounds are properly connected. Grounds that become disconnected can lead to internal damage of the BCM. Inoperative or intermittent operation of devices supported by the module may be caused by a module grounding issue. Check the module chassis grounds contact points for proper contact.|Before replacing a BCM, make sure the digital bus is not shorted. Modules on the bus can short and allow voltage onto the bus which can disrupt digital communications resulting in erratic or intermittent behavior. The BCM monitors low voltage reference signals to input devices, such as a switch. Any corrosion at the input device can lead to problems. Check the condition of the connectors at the input and output devices before replacing a BCM.|Before opening the package and handling the replacement BCM, use a grounding wrist strap or antistatic mat to protect the electronic module from static electricity damage. If not available, touch a good known ground frequently while handling the unit.|Before disconnecting power to BCM, retrieve and record all trouble codes using an appropriate scan tool or the vehicle service manual recommended procedure.|Before running system diagnostics, check the electrical harness for disconnected, frayed or worn wires.

Technical Tips

Disconnect the battery ground terminal to avoid risk of damage to electrical components. Power must never be on during installation of a replacement BCM.|Check for any loose, bent, broken, improperly seated or corroded terminals at the vehicle’s harness connector that plugs into the BCM.|Verify that the battery is fully charged before attempting any diagnostic procedure.|Follow precautions to reduce the risk of static electricity that could damage the BCM.|Avoid contact with electrical terminals at BCM connector.|Do not allow dirt or fluids to contaminate BCM electrical harness connections.|Some O.E. service procedures will advise the installer to attempt the retrieval of current BCM configuration to configure replacement BCM after installation.|Some BCMs have special hardware that must be reused. Be sure to note how the original unit is mounted and connected to the vehicle.|Some BCMs require a configuration process to be performed after installation to match vehicle attributes and/or achieve previous customer preference settings. A theft relearn may also be required after installation.|For BCMs that require programming, stable battery voltage is critical during the procedure. Any fluctuation, spiking, over voltage or loss of voltage will interrupt programming.|A programming support tool may be necessary to maintain system voltage. If that tool is not available, connect a fully charged, 12-V jumper battery or booster pack. Connecting a battery charger is not recommended while programming.|When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven a certain distance to relearn the strategy.|After installation of a replacement BCM is completed on certain vehicles, the driver’s personalization settings will default to factory settings. The driver must be informed that personalization must be set again.|Some BCM installation procedures will require reprograming the remote key fobs and keys.