Body Control Module (BCM)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The immobilizer system is an integral part of the BCM and is controlled internally within the BCM. The BCM can learn up to 8 keys (transponder values).
The BCM uses the following inputs:
- Environment identifier exchange with various modules
- Encrypted code from the vehicle key, received by the remote control door lock receiver or immobilizer control module
The BCM uses the following outputs:
- Prerelease password communication with ECM
- Challenge/response with ECM
When the ignition mode switch is pressed, the low frequency antennas emit a challenge to the keyless entry transmitter. The transmitter receives this challenge and emits it's response as an RF message. The transmitter transmits a signal that contains its unique value, which is received by the BCM through the remote control door lock receiver. The BCM then compares this value to a value stored in memory. The BCM then performs one of the following functions:
- If the encrypted code value matches the values stored in the BCM memory, the BCM will send the prerelease password to the ECM via serial data.
- If the encrypted code unique value does not match the value stored in the BCM, the BCM will send the start disable message to the ECM via serial data.
- If the BCM is unable to measure the ignition key encrypted code value, the BCM will not send any messages to the ECM.