There are many threads about BCM replacement on this forum, and I'm pretty sure I read most of them before attempting this job. However, I rarely found a thread that described a successful replacement procedure from start to finish, in detail. Most of the time, the same step-by-step procedure from the GM service manual is posted and the thread creator never reports back on whether they were successful. I just went through the process on my 1999 vette, and I'm going to detail the entire thing as best I can to help out anyone else attempting this in the future.

To start off, I ordered this refurbished BCM off of RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...353170&jsn=457
The part number is Cardone 737776 to replace GM 09377919. This is the BCM that originally came with my 1999 car, but the part number changed many times throughout C5 production so make sure you order the correct one for your car.

Based on what I saw during my install, and many other forum threads, there are two programming procedures that must be performed after installing the new BCM in order to bring back full functionality to the car. The first one is a combined PCM handshake/VATS relearn and the second is RPO code configuration. Some threads have mentioned a third procedure that programs the SDM serial number into the new BCM in order to get rid of SDM code B1001. I did not have to perform this step, and will explain this further in the post.

The car will not start until the PCM handshake/VATS relearn is performed, so I did this procedure first so I didn't have to get the car towed to someone with a Tech 2. You can drive the car just fine after performing this procedure, the RPO codes do not need to be configured. The BCM and PCM will exchange a handshake password when the key is turned, and the car will only start if this password matches. The BCM must also learn the resistance of the VATS ignition key. Both relearns can be performed without a Tech 2 using these steps (originally posted by Bill Curlee):

1. Turn on the key for 11 minutes. (The security light will blink continuously during this period)
2 Turn off the key for 30 seconds. (once you see the security light go out)
3. Repeat 1&2 two more times.
4. Turn on the key for 30 seconds.

If this is performed successfully, the car will start and allow you to drive it. I connected a battery charger to the car during this process to keep the battery from dying since it's quite a long time to have the ignition on. If you have 7-way memory seats, a power telescoping column, twilight sentinel, automatic climate control, active handling, or F45/55 suspension, none of them will work correctly until after RPO configuration so don't be alarmed. I also started getting SDM code B1001. Your airbags will not deploy until this code is cleared, so make sure to do that before driving.

Next step is the RPO code configuration. I was lucky to find a shop that let me observe the programming process. As far as the tech and myself could tell, the only way to program the RPO codes is using a Tech 2. We tried using an MDI and GM's latest Techline software and were unable to access the BCM. However, the Tech 2 easily connected to it. The Tech 2 does not need to be connected to a laptop with TIS2000, or anything like that. The RPO configuration can be performed with a standalone Tech 2. Once the ignition is on and Tech 2 is plugged in, navigate this path: Body > Body Control Module > Special Functions > BCM RPO Reprogram. Select your car's country of origin and relevant RPO codes on the next page. This procedure is pretty simple, and should not take long to complete.

Next, turn off the ignition for at least 20 seconds to save the RPO configuration and relearn the SDM serial number. Finally, unplug the Tech 2, turn on the car, and test out all of the options that you turned on. Everything should be back to working order. SDM B1001 code should not be present anymore. According to the second post in this thread by Greg_E, the SDM serial number relearn is performed during the RPO configuration: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...1001-code.html. My experience confirms this. Other threads suggest that the SDM serial number relearn is a distinct third step that must be performed, but I don't believe that it is. As long as the proper RPO configuration steps are performed, the code should be corrected.

I've also seen mention of it being impossible to reprogram used/refurbished BCM's. At least my experience proves that Cardone refurbished BCM's can be successfully programmed.

I hope this explanation helps someone out, and puts all this information in one place. I was never able to find all of this information contained in a single post/thread. Good luck!

 

This really should get a sticky to the top of the forum, its that useful.

 

Thanks for the kind words!

 

So after "Step 4, Turn on the key for 30 seconds." do you turn the key further to start the engine, or to off first, then to start?

 

The purpose of turning the key on again is just to check that the security light goes out, which indicates that the VATS relearn was completed successfully. Instead of blinking constantly, it should blink a few times and then go out.