What bcm can I put in this from the junkyard? I've been told I can put a used bcm in it just won't be able to program it and have proper mileage but it should work. Does anyone know what years I can pull from? I'm thinking since it's manual everything, anyone from the same year should be alright. Thanks in advance

 

Start by matching up the part numbers.
Check a large parts site like GM parts direct. Co not com

Searching by part number should also give you fitment information.


You can also try RockAuto.com to see if they sell refurbished BCMs. You're looking for the same part number across model years.

Look at Wikipedia.com for the Saturn Ion. It should give you a timeline of what was changed when in the manufacturing. Ie what years were different transmissions used, etc. I don't know off the top of my head if BCMs for automatics and BCMs for manuals used the actual same BCM part number or not.

@oldmarine ?

Per your initial approach I would still stick with an ion that had a manual transmission. OldMarine may know the details better.

 

There is currently one BCM listed on eBay for a 2003 Ion. Fitment information shows that the 2003 Ion, any model, is the only one compatible. Interchange control number is 591-06802. Transmission type was not specified, so I don't think it's a factor. My manual transmission Ion has an empty space where the TCM should be, so I think the ECM/TCM work together and the BCM is not involved. But a replacement BCM would probably have to be programmed for the security system.

I've checked car-part. com, and they show several yards with this item available in the $50 - $75 range. Most of them have a phone number to call and discuss the options. When searching on this site, after entering the year and model, you need to select "computer control box (not engine)" and then "body control (BCM) (attached to fuse box)" to get the appropriate listing.

 

I have the same question. I was quoted $250 to reprogram a BCM

 

I was also wondering if turning it off with tech2 would work

 

Who offered to reflash it and with what?
If you suspect the BCM to be problematic, and you plan to drive the car for a while, you may be better off getting a refurbished BCM that is clean and having that programmed. Often the programming becomes an issue due to hardware failures on the BCM.

 

Let us know how that works for you... Especially the part where you start the car

 

Rock Auto does not have one. In fact, I cannot find a refurbished one for under $500.

 

How desperate are you to get your BCM replaced? You can call a salvage yard (see my earlier post) and see what kind of warranty they offer. If they say 30 days, that means if the unit doesn't work on installation, you can get a replacement for no extra cost. Programming by a dealer, or by a shop with the appropriate equipment, should run $100 - $150. So for an investment of less than $200 you're fixed. It's not something that will be done in two or three days, but if time is of the essence you can pay $500.