BCM System, Part I: Description

NOTE: This is a 2-part article, see BCM SYSTEM, PART II for continuation of this article.

Riviera and Toronado models use several components that can be controlled to provide self-diagnostic information. These components are part of an electrical network that is designed to control various engine and body subsystems.

At the heart of the computer system is the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is located on the driver side of the floor console (Riviera models) and behind the glove box (Toronado models). The BCM has an integral microprocessor, which is the center for communication with all the other components in the system. All the sensors and switches are monitored by the BCM or 1 of the other major components that complete the computer system. These other components are: The Electronic Control Module (ECM), the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), the Heating/Ventilation and A/C (HVAC) Programmer, the Cathode Ray Tube Controller (CRTC) (Riviera models), Electronic Climate Control (ECC) Panel (Toronado models) and the Chime/Voice Module (Toronado models).