Can the car start if the BCM is broken?
2 Answers
It is best not to start the car if the BCM is broken. Below are the relevant details: 1. BCM: BCM stands for Body Control Module. The main function of the Body Control Module is to coordinate the work of various functional components of the car body through electrical signals. The Body Control Module can control electronic components such as windows, airbags, turn signals, and wipers. Almost all vehicles today are equipped with a Body Control Module, which enables increasingly complex functionalities in modern cars. With the advancement of computer systems and chip processing capabilities, current body control systems are gradually moving towards intelligent development. 2. Symptoms of a faulty BCM: If the BCM is damaged, electrical components such as the sunroof, door locks, lights, wipers, voltage regulator, and multimedia system may not function properly. For automatic transmission models, there might also be issues like the P-gear getting locked, significantly affecting gear shifting. Additionally, if the BCM is not completely damaged, problems such as abnormal horn operation, erratic wiper function, starting failure, malfunctioning automatic door locks while driving, and central locking failure may occur. When the BCM is damaged, it should be repaired promptly.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've encountered quite a few cases of BCM failure. BCM stands for Body Control Module, which primarily manages external functions like lights, door locks, and windows. The engine start is handled separately by the Engine Control Unit, so even if the BCM fails, the car might still start and run normally. But there are plenty of issues: for example, headlights not working, remote keys failing, or alarms going off randomly, which can easily lead to accidents when driving at night. I once had an old car where the BCM short-circuited due to water damage. I could still start it with the key, but the reverse lights completely failed, and I almost hit the car behind me. If you notice any issues, it's best to stop and check the fuse box immediately. If you're not experienced, don't force it—quickly take it to a repair shop to scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool to prevent a small problem from becoming a big one. BCM repairs aren't expensive; for most cars, it can be fixed for a few hundred yuan. Don't risk compromising driving safety over a minor issue.
