Body Control System Diagnosis & Testing Cost Estimate

For all components of the body control system, a diagnostic scanner can be connected to the vehicle to scan the body control module. While scanning the body control or additional accessory control modules, a technician can command and observe the operation of specific components, and observe the result of operations. This will generally lead to a diagnosis or, at the very least, a path for testing.

Body control modules, as well as many other accessory control modules, can fail, and this is common on some vehicles. We do not recommend replacement of a control module with a used unit in most cases. Some can be replaced with new or used units, however, many, such as Anti Theft control modules, can only be installed on one vehicle since the VIN number is permanently stored. Some control units can be reprogrammed, and this may come with a charge from the dealership or authorized repair center for that brand of vehicle.

Arching from the battery, jumping a vehicle incorrectly, or servicing electronic components without removing the negative battery cable can damage multiple body control system components by sending positive current through the ground connection for those components.

Most DIY mechanics will not have the experience to service or diagnose severe body control system issues. However, fuses, relays, switches, grounding wires and straps, or bulbs are easily diagnosed and repaired by most people. However, body control system problems are generally called electrical problems, and these are typically left to professional technicians.