Radio and Power windows issues

**T/A Addict** · 12-11-2009, 04:51 PM

I have a 96 and I need to know where the relay is that keeps the radio and windows working until you open the doors. I am having problems with my radio and windows not working randomly, I can hit the radio most of the time and it will come back on yet to go back out again. I want to disable and bypass that relay so I can rid myself of that headache.
Thanks

**Smittro** · 12-11-2009, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by T/A Addict

I have a 96 and I need to know where the relay is that keeps the radio and windows working until you open the doors. I am having problems with my radio and windows not working randomly, I can hit the radio most of the time and it will come back on yet to go back out again. I want to disable and bypass that relay so I can rid myself of that headache.
Thanks

Prolly not any relay. Is probably the BCM (Body Control Module). It located under the passenger side of the dash. It's a very common problem with our cars.. The module is known for having bad solder joints on the board..

**Smittro** · 12-11-2009, 04:59 PM

It's a small black box and inside it will have the BCM board these are the problem areas of the board..

**Smittro** · 12-11-2009, 05:04 PM

Oh yeah and welcome to LS1.COM...

**T/A Addict** · 12-11-2009, 05:10 PM

Thanks, Is this an easy item to remove?

**Smittro** · 12-11-2009, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by T/A Addict

Thanks, Is this an easy item to remove?

Not too hard @ all.

Remove the kick panel under the passenger side of the dash. Then get under and look up behind the back of the glove box. There will be a couple plugs that will need to be pulled out of the module. Then carefully pry back the clip/housing that holds it into place and slide it strait down. To replace just push it back up into place till it clicks, then plug it back in and you're done.. Good luck.

**Smittro** · 12-11-2009, 05:22 PM

Oh yeah the board can be removed from the box easily if I remember correctly from doing mine, the box just snaps shut with clips that are molded into the box it may have a couple screws though not hard..

**RagTop** · 12-23-2009, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Smittro

Oh yeah the board can be removed from the box easily if I remember correctly from doing mine, the box just snaps shut with clips that are molded into the box it may have a couple screws though not hard..

Do you recommend replacing the board or trying to resloder the joints that you've outlined? Any idea how much a replacement part costs? I'm betting you have to buy a complete BCM from Chevy.

**JaycenK** · 12-23-2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by RagTop

Do you recommend replacing the board or trying to resloder the joints that you've outlined? Any idea how much a replacement part costs? I'm betting you have to buy a complete BCM from Chevy.

yes you would have to buy a replacement and they are not cheap at all. just take it out and try this first. It may save you 300+ bucks.

**JaycenK** · 12-23-2009, 08:04 PM

Oh yea, another thing to check is the door switches. sometimes they go bad and if the BCM thinks the door is open then it wont stay on.

**Smittro** · 12-23-2009, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by RagTop

Do you recommend replacing the board or trying to resloder the joints that you've outlined? Any idea how much a replacement part costs? I'm betting you have to buy a complete BCM from Chevy.

I would attempt the easy solder way first if money is tight for ya.. If not just replace it..Plug and play..

Originally Posted by JaycenK

yes you would have to buy a replacement and they are not cheap at all. just take it out and try this first. It may save you 300+ bucks.

agree with this too

Originally Posted by JaycenK

Oh yea, another thing to check is the door switches. sometimes they go bad and if the BCM thinks the door is open then it wont stay on.

silicone spray and work the switches rappidly with your thumb after.

**gnomee** · 12-27-2009, 07:03 AM

Not too hard to get at... You can find instructions on getting that kick panel off by reading the first steps to our Passenger window fix install instructions...

Link in my sig.

**T/A Addict** · 01-13-2010, 03:22 PM

The one thing about the door switch being the issue is that the radio and windows should still operate when the key is on even if the door is open. Correct me if I am wrong.

**T/A Addict** · 01-19-2010, 02:50 PM

Thanks for all the info Smittro, I repaired mine this weekend. Took me only about 20 minutes total and although I have very limited experience with soldering it seems to have worked, no issues so far.