How Much Does Body Control Module Repair Cost?
The Body Control Module, also known as the BCM, is one of the essential elements of the car’s electronics. This car part is in charge of controlling the load drivers to assess proper functioning, such as door locks, windshield wipers, interior lights, windows opening and closing, and other systems.
If the Body Control Module is malfunctioning or even stops working, the vehicle’s parts that are linked to this system may stop operating.
In this article, we will go over the process of repairing the Body Control Module, the costs associated with this process, factors influencing the repair’s costs, and tips to cut down expensive charges.
How Much Does Body Control Module Repair Cost?
The average national cost of repairing a Body Control Module is somewhere around $850, although this will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, the mechanic who performs the repair, your regional rates, and other factors.
Based on our research, the cost range of a Body Control Module repair is anywhere from $500 up to $2,000 or more. The price will vary based on the labor rate, parts costs, and other factors.
However, repairing a BCM can mean fixing one of a multitude of problems.
For instance, a simple glitch in the Body Control Module’s system can often be fixed by just resetting it. On average, the cost for this simple job can be as little as $100, depending on where the job is performed.
On the other hand, if the BCM is reset and this does not fix the issue, it may need to be reprogrammed. This procedure typically costs anywhere from $300 to $600 or more, depending on the severity of the issue.
To help you get an idea about the costs of the BCM repair, and to make a comparison between several auto mechanic providers, we compiled the table below:
| Provider | Estimated Costs for Labor and Parts |
|---|---|
| Local independent provider | $639 to $1945 |
| Midas | $644 to $1998 |
| Mr. Tire | $655 to $1919 |
| Napa | $625 to $2010 |
According to Caradvise.com the national cost range of a Body Control Module replacement is somewhere from $402 to $972, with an average cost of $602. The range will vary based on several factors such as the make and model of the car, labor rate, and parts costs. For instance, for a Chrysler 300, they state that the cost of replacing the BCM is around $972, while for a Ford F-150, the cost is $402, on average.
The table below offers you several BCM repair costs for different vehicle makes and models.
Several individuals posted online their received quotes upon the costs of repairing the Body Control Module. For example, one user stated that he paid not less than $1,726, to repair the BCM on his Chevrolet Suburban manufactured in 2006. Another user commented that his quotation was $648 for his Toyota Land Cruiser.
Keep in mind that the BCM’s repair cost will directly be influenced by your type of car, the severity of the issue, and other factors.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a diagnostic test, wiring harness replacement, or fuse box replacement.
According to Atuchimps.com, you can expect to pay around $600 on average, but bear in mind that these costs are estimates and each case is unique.
CarParts.com provides a wide range of car parts. We recommend you take a look at this retailer’s website in order to find the parts that you need. However, besides the parts, keep in mind that another fee for labor will be applied, which may be around $300 on average, depending on whether it is a dealership or an independent mechanic.
On ImpalaForums.com, one of its members posted a question about how much would it cost to repair a BCM. Most of the people who responded talked about an average replacement cost range of anywhere from $500 up to $700 for reprogramming and performing the swap.
Take into consideration that these costs are estimates and can be a matter of change. As with any repair, the make and model of the car, regional labor costs, parts costs, and the seriosity of the issue will heavily influence the overall cost.
| Make and Model | Labor Cost Range | Parts Cost Range | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado | $80 – $103 | $711 – $1623 | $791 – $1726 |
| Ford F-Series | $80 – $103 | $711 – $1623 | $791 – $1726 |
| Ford Focus | $80 – $103 | $711 – $1623 | $791 – $1726 |
| Ford Fusion | $80 – $103 | $711 – $1623 | $791 – $1726 |
| Honda Accord | $80 – $103 | $568 – $747 | $648 – $850 |
| Honda Civic | $44 – $57 | $684 – $684 | $728 – $741 |
| Honda CR-V | $44 – $57 | $684 – $684 | $728 – $741 |
| Nissan Altima | $197 – $252 | $813 – $813 | $1010 – $1065 |
| Toyota Camry | $62 – $80 | $883 – $1021 | $945 – $1101 |
| Toyota Corolla | $53 – $68 | $1021 – $1021 | $1074 – $1089 |
What does a body control module do?
The Body Control Module, BCM for short, is the car’s computer that manages the electronic parts of the car such as windshield wipers, headlights, interior lights, air conditioner, and others.
Typically located in the central console or the glovebox of the vehicle, the Body Control Module has various switches integrated, all in one place. This system is much more effective than cabling multiple electrical wires all over the car.
Each Body Control Module will be programmed based on the specifications of the car’s manufacturer. Once the BCM is properly set, it will communicate with the linked car’s parts, usually activated through a button.
The repair process
As with any repair work, the battery will need to be disconnected. Keeping the battery connected while performing repairs on the engine compartment, may cause electrical shocks.
After this, the Body Control Module is located. It is usually installed at the back of the vehicle’s center console or behind the glove box. As a side note, in some cars, the location of the BCM may differ. In this case, the mechanic must look at the manufacturer’s manual for accurate information.
Next, the center console or the glove box is detached by removing the screws or bolts first, to have access to the Body Control Module
After the mechanic removes the center console or the glove box, he will also remove the BCM by unscrewing the base bolts of the computer, which keeps it in place. Then, the BCM’s connector clip will be detached, which will disconnect it from the car completely.
Following the release of the body control module, the mechanic will insert the new computer. The installation will be done in reverse order and reprogrammed after the manufacturer’s specifications.
Once the new BCM is set in place, the center console or glove box will be reinstalled, the car’s battery will be reconnected, and the mechanic will check all the electronic parts to ensure that they are all functioning properly.
Typically, the entire work takes up to 90 minutes but this may differ based on the car’s make and model and specifications.
Signs you need a Body Control Module Replacement
- Failed electronic components – The BCM controls several electronic car parts, as listed above. A sign of a BCM malfunction may be one of these components not working properly. However, keep in mind that there may be other causes for those components not to work.
- Security function errors – Another red sign that may suggest a malfunctioning BCM is the failure of the anti-theft system or keyless entry.
- Check engine light – The check engine light popping up can also be an indicator of a bad BCM. This is when the BCM fails to read the sensors correctly.
- Battery drain – A drained battery, also known as a parasitic drain, can be caused by components that still run, even when the car is not started. This usually happens when the car’s battery transmits power to electronic parts that should not receive it while the car is not running.
- Car not starting – Your car failing to start, may be caused by a faulty Body Control Module in some rare cases. This can happen when the BCM fails to recognize the chip from your key.
Important things about the BCM
In case you are considering purchasing the BCM yourself, make sure that you choose the right one for your car. Keep in mind that BCMs can differ depending on the make and model of your car and each computer has its specific software in order to operate properly. To be sure the BCM matches your car, make a quick online search or contact your dealer to ask about this issue to find the correct answer.
According to AutoPartsWarehouse.com, you should never get second-hand or used Body Control Modules. They claim that you can never truly know its current operating state and working history, these car components being particularly vulnerable. On the other hand, while purchasing a refurbished unit may be an alternative, the website advises you to be cautious of the warranty and check out internet reviews.
The BCM and the components it manages may differ based on the make and model of the car. For instance, in some current car brands, the Body Control Module controls electronic parts such as headlights, turn signals, hazard signals, shift interlock solenoids, backup lights, car horns, door locks, hood switches, traction control, and/or trunk release.
It is recommended to disconnect the battery before detaching the Body Control Module. If you fail to do so, you may risk losing the data stored on the computer, or even worse, damaging the component.
- How Much Does a Doula Cost? - November 21, 2023
- How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost? - November 21, 2023
- How Much Does a Bocce Ball Court Cost? - November 21, 2023
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!