Corvette V8-5.7L VIN G (1997)
Body Control Module: Description and Operation
General Description
The Body Control Module (BCM) uses information from other systems in order to execute some functions. Therefore, before further diagnosis, review
the general information on how the BCM operates and how each system interacts with the BCM. This will save diagnostic time, future misdiagnosis, and
unnecessary parts replacement.
Use a scan tool in order to diagnose the BCM when referred to in diagnostic procedures. In addition to displaying DTCs, the BCM displays the input
status and the data values used. The BCM can also command many of the systems ON and OFF. Any of these features can be selected using the scan
tool.
Become very familiar with the BCM capabilities and diagnostic features. These self-diagnostic features are referenced in the DTC tables and are very
useful in diagnosing non-DTC setting malfunctions as well.
Replace the BCM only if the diagnostic procedures specifically direct you to do so. Every input to the BCM and every output from the BCM is short to
ground/short to battery protected. Therefore, the BCM does not automatically need to be replaced when a short is found in the wiring. Repair the wiring
first. Then check the system for further problems. Most system malfunctions are traceable to faulty wiring and connectors, and occasionally components.
The BCM is very reliable and not the likely cause of a system malfunction. BCM replacement before a complete diagnosis will usually result in a
recurrence of the original complaint malfunction.
DTCs Current and History
The BCM stores DTCs as current or history codes. If the BCM detects a system malfunction, the BCM will only store a DTC that corresponds to
that particular malfunction. The BCM will not send a message to the IPC to display a message. If a current DTC is stored and the malfunction is
no longer present, some DTCs will remain current until the first ignition cycle. Other DTCs will go history when the malfunction is no longer
present and does not requires an ignition cycle. History DTCs are intermittent malfunctions and must be diagnosed differently than current DTCs.
Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections. See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Intermittents and Poor
Connections
Displaying DTCs
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DTCs are read in only one of following two ways:
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The IPC Reading DTC feature.
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A scan tool
Most all information in diagnostic tables will refer to the scan tool for diagnostic support. For details on using the on-board diagnostic feature to
access and/or clear DTCs Refer to On-Board Diagnostic System in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Clearing DTCs
Disconnecting the battery or the BCM connectors will not clear a DTC. A DTC can only be cleared in one of the following three ways:
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Using the IPC Clearing feature.
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Using a scan tool.
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The BCM will automatically clear a DTC if the malfunction has not occurred within 50 ignition cycles.
Most all information in diagnostic tables will refer to the scan tool for diagnostic support. For details on using the on-board diagnostic feature to
access and/or clear DTCs. Refer to On-Board Diagnostic System. See: Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Testing and Inspection
Clear any history DTC after a system malfunction is corrected in order to prevent future misdiagnosis.
