5th Mar 2007, 17:48

I own a 2000 Saturn LW2 that probably needs the BCM replaced. The odometer just reset and stuck at approx. 694K and it really has 107K. Also, the motor just turned off while driving and the lights on the instrument panel flashed. From reading the Internet, it looks like a bad BCM. My real problem is that I live in Costa Rica and there are no Saturn dealers in this country.

Is it possible to replace the BCM on my own given that I do not have any other options? Is there some kind of manual available that would walk me through the directions.

Any advice from anyone who has experience doing this on their own would be much appreciated.

6th Mar 2007, 06:37

The BCM sits behind the dashboard and requires removal of the glove box. It's not physically difficult to replace, but will require programming ("flashing") once installed. That's why most have it done at the dealer.

I've heard that it is possible, though not easy, to program given the right equipment. I would ask your local mechanic or auto diagnostic/electric shop about it. They may be able to get the software flash from Saturn and do it for you. The BCM needs to be flashed because it contains pertinent info about your specific car (mileage, VIN, etc) that must be entered in.

26th Mar 2007, 14:31

I also have a misbehaving odometer. (2001 L200) At some point around 155,000 miles it started reporting mileage anywhere from 151,000 to 155,000 changing several times a day. Then it started to report mileage anywhere from 0 to 10,000, also changing several times a day. Add to that panel lights and gauges that come on and off when they feel like. From the many entries I read here, it sounds like BCM. This seemed a little different, but I suppose it could be the same thing. I learned here that the BCM is located behind the glove box. My problem seemed to start after I left the car idling for a long time with the defrosters on while I was cleaning snow. I wonder if the proximity is such that the BCM could have overheated.

27th Mar 2007, 07:21

To the comment about possibly overheating the BCM: it's unlikely. Typically, the BCM fails because of the loss of a good ground, leading to damage to the unit itself. BCMs have failed in cars with only a few thousand miles on them. Yours seems to have had a good run, so to speak!

2nd Apr 2007, 10:07

I'm experiencing the BCM problems that many of you here seem to have had. It's a very expensive plunge I'm about to take to fix it (the consencus seems to be about $600), so I'm wondering about how things hold up for the second time. Has anybody had a second one fail and was it soon after the first? One recent post refers to the loss of a good ground as the probable cause, so I wonder if all dealers know this and find the source of the bad ground before installing the new module? Is there a consistent source of the bad ground? I wonder if the replacement modules are more robust or do we get the same old....

3rd Apr 2007, 06:29

From what I understand, the replacement BCM is a new and improved unit. Once the ground problem is experienced on the BCM, it's unlikely to ever be repaired, even if the software is flashed. I haven't heard of anyone needing a second replacement BCM.

20th Aug 2007, 22:38

I have a 2000 Saturn LS2 with 118000 miles on it. Just in the last week it started making this strange noise, almost as if it needed power steering fluid, but it doesn't, that is just the sound it makes. It mostly happens when I accelerate or it is shifting gears. Sounds kind of like a whining sound. It is in the motor somewhere just unsure of where it is... anyone have this problem too? Any suggestions of what it might be?

29th Sep 2007, 22:51

Those of you who paid around $400.00 to $500.00 to have your BCM replaced, consider yourselves lucky. It cost me $900.00 to fix mine. My odometer was 80,300 when it happened. I also have had a gassy smell for over a year now and have had it checked twice with no solution. Both places could not find a problem. It happens at all different times of my driving the car. This gassy smell comes into the car and leaves a few minutes later. Anyone had this problem and how did you solve it?

17th Oct 2007, 19:52

Are the BCM problems for the Saturn LS series specific to the V6 or does it occur in the 4 cyl too?

18th Oct 2007, 07:32

BCM problems are common to ALL L-series models, regardless of powertrain. 2000-2003 models are the most affected.

18th Oct 2007, 19:48

Great! I just bought a used one with 74000 miles. I guess I have something to look forward to.

27th Oct 2007, 17:03

I am reading about the odometer going crazy, but has anyone seen just the lights in the odometer go out. I have a 2002 l200 with 47000 miles and the lights for the odometer are not working, the trip meter and odometer are keeping accurate mileage just with no lights. all other lights in the dash work and dim properly, I tried turning headlights on and off, dimmer up and down, I don't know what else to do, any Ideas? Is this the BCM also? Thanks.

5th Nov 2007, 14:04

I own a 2000 Saturn L-series, 4 cyl manual shift, which I bought new. Currently, the instrument panel lights burns out fuses within a day or two on this car. I assume that too is BCM related after what I've read above. I've had a few problems over the years: engine malfunctioning & requiring a total rebuild at 40k miles, taillights giving me grief, power door locks, car won't start: security light flashes so it "thinks" its being stolen, windshield wiper motor is weak. Anybody seen these problems? I'm at just over 90k miles and this Saturn's days might be numbered.

7th Nov 2007, 19:10

I've just experienced what seems to be a BCM issue. I have an L200 2003 4 cyl. A couple days ago it wouldn't start. It was like somebody had removed the battery. Nothing worked. After it sat all night it started as if there was no problem. It happened again today. Having read about BCM issues, I thought if I disconnected everything, ie. took the positive off the battery, it might reboot. When I did this, it started right up and have had no problem since, but it's only been a few hours. I don't imagine it fixed things. Has anybody had this symptom? The dealer seemed to know about BCM issues, but had not heard of this one. Any feed back will be appreciated. The car has about 50 K. I'd hate to have the BCM replaced and find out this wasn't it, but I am suspicious. I suppose the dealer is the place to go, but with an intermittent problem, not sure of their diagnosis either.