I had been playing with the idea for a while, but I finally did it: I installed a '98-''02 Firebird Body Control Module (BCM) in my 87GT. The upgrade wasn't that difficult at all, but I did take out the dash for installation. The f-body BCM offers a lot of nifty functions in the Fiero:
RKE with GM style fobs, visual (parking lights) and optional audio (horn) feedback Individual remote driver/passenger door unlocking and remote trunk unlocking Retained accessory power (RAP) for radio and power windows, car alarm with theft deterrent LED, panic button, tamper and shock sensing (with optional shock sensor) illuminated entry and exit, courtesy light control with battery run down protection system personalisation and much more
The Fiero feels like a 15 year younger car now with all those comfort features, and the upgrade wasn't all that difficult, and cheap too ($50 for the BCM plus new key fobs). If you care, my how-to for the upgrade can be found here: http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/BCM.html - complete with the schematics.
I hope someone will find this useful or interesting.
Actually I have a question already: did you happen to find a list of which part # BCM's would work, or which ones include keyless, alarm, etc? All the used ones I've found are in the $100 range ($80 from my local junkyard), and new ones I've found are around $150-200.
Actually I have a question already: did you happen to find a list of which part # BCM's would work, or which ones include keyless, alarm, etc? All the used ones I've found are in the $100 range ($80 from my local junkyard), and new ones I've found are around $150-200.
As far as I know, only 09353691 comes with RKE, but that part number is good for both Camaros and Firebirds from 96-02, so the BCMs shouldn't be rare. Check out F-body forums, they're parting out cars all the time.
As far as using a new unit: programming involves hooking up any of the 15 resistor values. The new BCM learns it automatically, and that's it. No big deal. Finding out the value of a used unit involves way more time...
And the only two varieties are with and without RKE. The alarm / anti theft stuff is always there if RKE is present.
[This message has been edited by fieroluke (edited 09-09-2010).]
@donnie: Yup, that was the idea, and it makes a big difference, the car "feels" newer... (it's hard to describe...)
@animalGT: no problem, but I don't know when I'll be in the US again ;-) Seriously, now that I've done it once, doing it again would take a lot less time, and could probably be done in a few hours... I just triple checked everything and took pics and notes, and that took lots of time...
Excellent work!!! Wanna come over and do this to mine?
Hi Oliver,
looks very good to me. As you know the distance to me is much less than to AnimalGT So you be willing to train your installation with my car first?! If one of the american PFF People has a BCM surplus, i will take it.
I got one with a different part number off ebay, a keyless remote, and a full set of 98 F-body shop manuals. As soon as it stops raining here, I'll hit up the junkyard to get the harnesses for it, and start messing around with it.
The one I got is supposedly from a 98 Firebird 3.8 V6, GM part # 16239981.
Man you are really making me want this! sounds like a fun Upgrade.
It really is. It was fun (a lot of work too, but fun work) to install it, but man, now that I have it I love it to death! I love the remote lock verification feature (no need to turn around when walking away from the car to know it's locked), and I love the radio keeps playing until I get out of the car.
Just took one for you! I got back from the junkyard about an hour ago, went to get the wiring. I also found the shock sensor for the alarm.
I got the full set of manuals for the 98 F-body, including the update/supplement which does contain some BCM info
One thing I'm wondering about in the above pic, is that green connector. All it seems to do is extend the wires, because the wires going in and out of it are all the same color, and locations? Just seems odd. Wiring came from a 98 Camaro, shock sensor is part # 10268461
A very unique upgrade. Your technical skills are top notch. Are you the famous Oliver Scholz that we first came in contact with in the mid 1990's that was making the in dash scanner for the Fiero? If so I remember going over your extensive disassembly of the data code that you did on the various ECM's of the time
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I had been playing with the idea for a while, but I finally did it: I installed a '98-''02 Firebird Body Control Module (BCM) in my 87GT. The upgrade wasn't that difficult at all, but I did take out the dash for installation. The f-body BCM offers a lot of nifty functions in the Fiero:
-Oliver
Once again your skills amaze me. I have a box full of those in my parts room that I knew I would have a use for someday. This is on my list of things to do...
By all means, do it! This is seriously the best thing I've ever done to my Fiero! The dimming dome lights, keeping the radio on after ignition off, separate door unlocking, etc. It's probably one feature per terminal pin, if you need motivation... ;-)
After reading your site, I thought that since my car is already apart, this would be an awesome time to upgrade. After a quick check, my local Pick and Pull had a 2002 Camaro that had been added to the yard about 3 weeks ago. So I went over to see, and sure enough the module was still there. It is located in the same place as the Firebird unit, just where you said it would be
I pulled it, all of the connectors and as much cable as I could get:
My only concern is that the Camaro took a good pop to the front end, both airbags deployed and the engine was eating the radiator
Total cost was $53
Thanks for sharing this with us! I can't wait to get it put back together.
It required a stout tug to get it out of the cradle it is in. There are not any locking tabs holding it in the cradle. Only the squared off parts of the module's edges seem to hold it in place. The cradle is made of fairly flexible plastic, I was going to attempt to remove the cradle, but it appears to be molded into the larger under dash assembly.
If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up securing the BCM under you dash?
Thanks,
Jerry
[This message has been edited by Yellow88GT (edited 10-18-2010).]
I didn't secure it much at all. The Fiero wires are a lot thicker than the original F-body wires. As a result, the three connectors and harnesses are pretty stiff when taped. The harnesses come from the passenger side, and I let them run towards the driver side A-pillar, then make a 180 degree turn towards the passenger side, and then 90 degree "up". The harnesses, when taped, act sort of like a spring, and I had to push the BCM down along the front firewall to mount the dash. I've had the GM VSS-201 remote unlock receiver in this location without securing it for over 10 years, and never had a problem...
As you've seen, GM didn't secure the BCM much in the f-body either, so I guess it'll be fine where it is...
Bump for an amazing thread! Looks like I will be going back to the Fire bird or Camaro at the pick and pull for another pull. I can't believe I missed this thread before!
[This message has been edited by katore8105 (edited 01-03-2011).]
I Just spent the past hour and a half reading about how to add a BCM to a Fiero. Exellent reading and a very good set of instructions. Wanted to say 'Thanks' to Oliver.
I love this idea! Never really thought of it, but it is a very nice and easy upgrade. I would compare it to a remote start install. One thing though, you should be able to use a BCM from pretty much any 2000+ GM. Almost all of them had these features as standard equipment. Venture van (sliding door button could be whatever you want), Cavalier, Malibu, Silverado, Sierra, LeSabre, Bonneville, Grand Prix, ect, ect, ect.
You would want to get the schematics for these other vehicles, but they should work fine too with the correct connections.
keyfobs can be had from ebay or the dealer. not sure about price at the dealer. for syncing them to the car, there is a process you have to go through that involves holding a button on the fob and cycling the key on off on and watching for the door locks to cycle. or its something close to that. the FB owners manual will specify exactly how to do it. it was the same on my blazer... maybe my c4 too. dont remember and dont think i had to sync the vette fobs. im sure the dealer would be glad to sync em for you for an ass load of money. but just image the looks on their faces when you say i need my key fobs synced to my fiero. lol
lol
