How Much is a Body Control Module Repair Cost?

A body control module repair cost sits between £150 and £300 in the UK.

The body control module (BCM) is a computer that controls many of your car’s electronic functions, from lights to central locking.

When it fails, it can cause multiple electrical issues, which is why understanding repair costs is important. Learn more about average costs and what to expect below.

Key takeaways

• How much is a body control module repair cost in the UK?

• Can you repair a body control module?

• How long does body control module repair take?

• What causes body control module failures?

• Can water damage cause a body control module failure?

• Common signs your body control module is failing

• Is it worth repairing a faulty body control module?

• Where is a car’s body control module?

• Can you drive with a faulty body control module?

• Will a faulty body control module fail an MOT?

How much is a body control module repair cost in the UK?

On average, repairing a faulty BCM in the UK costs between £150 and £300, depending on the module type and the complexity of the fault.

If a replacement is required instead of a repair, costs can rise significantly, often reaching £300 to £900 for more complex cars.

Several factors affect the cost of a BCM repair, such as:

• Type of module (some control units are more expensive)

• Complexity of the fault

• Labour charges at the garage or specialist

• Additional programming or cloning required

No matter the cause of your BCM failure, you can use car repair finance to split the cost into interest-free instalments.

Can you repair a body control module?

Yes. Many specialists can repair BCMs rather than replace them entirely.

Repairs often involve:

• Fixing damaged circuit boards

• Replacing faulty components

• Updating or reprogramming the software

Overall, repairing a BCM can be much cheaper than buying a new module and avoids the need for lengthy reprogramming.

How long does body control module repair take?

Repair times vary depending on the fault, but most BCM repairs take 1 to 3 days.

Simple component repairs may be completed in a few hours, while more complex issues involving programming or testing can take longer.

What causes body control module failures?

BCM failures can happen for a range of reasons:

• Water or moisture damage

• Electrical surges or short circuits

• Corrosion of connectors or pins

• Wear and tear on older modules

• Faulty wiring in the vehicle

These issues can prevent the BCM from communicating properly with other vehicle systems, leading to erratic behaviour or complete failure of certain functions.

If left unaddressed, minor faults can escalate, potentially causing more expensive repairs or multiple electronic malfunctions.

Can water damage cause a body control module failure?

Yes. Water or moisture entering the BCM can corrode the internal circuitry or connectors, preventing it from working properly.

Even small amounts of water can cause intermittent faults. These can even lead to erratic electronics or complete failure of systems controlled by the module.

Preventing leaks and keeping the BCM area dry is key to avoiding this type of damage. So, if there’s excess water, head straight to the garage!

Common signs your body control module is failing

Like many car problems, BCM failures come with a range of signs, and depending on the symptoms, it might be tough to know the BCM is the cause.

If your BCM is failing, you might notice one or more of the following:

• Central locking or alarm problems

• Dashboard warning lights appear randomly

• Electrical components are working intermittently or failing

• Lights flickering or not operating correctly

• Windows or mirrors are not responding

Is it worth repairing a faulty body control module?

In most cases, yes. It’s worth repairing a faulty BCM.

If your vehicle is in good condition and the BCM is the only issue, repairing it is more cost-effective than a full replacement.

However, if your car has multiple electrical problems or is nearing the end of its life, replacement may not be worth the investment.

Where is a car’s body control module?

A car’s BCM is usually located inside the cabin, often under the dashboard, behind the glove box, or near the steering column.

In some vehicles, it may be in the engine bay, as this position keeps it protected from moisture and heat.

While these are the most common positions, the BCM location can vary by make and model, but it’s always placed to allow easy access to wiring for the systems it controls.

If you can't find it, don't worry! Your mechanic or dealership can locate the BCM.

Can you drive with a faulty body control module?

It depends on the symptoms.

In many cases, the car can still be driven, but some functions may fail, such as lights, central locking, or indicators.

Driving with a completely failed BCM is not recommended, as critical systems could stop working, potentially causing safety issues.

Will a faulty body control module fail an MOT?

A faulty BCM itself does not automatically fail an MOT, because the test focuses on safety-critical components like brakes, lights, emissions, and steering.

However, if the BCM failure affects any of these systems (for example, causing lights not to work or indicators to fail), then the car could fail the MOT.

Last thoughts

Though we don’t think of it often, the body control module is a central part of your car’s electronics, and failure can affect multiple systems.

Acting quickly at the first signs of trouble can prevent further damage and reduce body control module repair costs!

Split the cost with Bumper

Whether your BCM is at fault or you’re facing another repair, a car repair loan can split the cost into interest-free repayments.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.