Body Control Module (BCM) Non-Multiplex
There are eight specific body control modules available for Blue Bird buses. The particular module installed on a bus depends on the
bus application, (school bus or non-school bus) and specific options the bus is manufactured with. The eight types of body modules
are identified by the BCM Model on the front of the module. A Blue Bird part number is assigned to each BCM Model. Refer to the
service parts list for the bus being serviced to identify the Blue Bird part number or you may reference the BCM Model on the front of
the module. Ladder logic for each part number is available on the Blue Bird Dealer Vantage website. Click the following link to go
there now. [Link]
Unless stated otherwise, we will reference an All American standard school bus body control module. All body control modules
programmed and designated with the same model number will function identically and can be installed on any Blue Bird bus
manufactured with the same model number. There are no variations between modules programmed and designated with the same
model number. These body control modules are not programmable for any reason. If a module fails it must be replaced with a new
module having the same programming and designation. The body control module will also be referred to as the “BCM”.
The body control module is located in the body electrical panel. The module is equipped with a 22 pin AMP connector (Connector A)
and an 18 pin AMP connector (Connector B) for interfacing with the electrical system. See examples illustrated below:
Connector A
Connector B
Body Electrical Panel Location
All American: Decal Layout
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All American: Decal Chart
The module receives power from the bus electrical system through five power input pins and two ground pins. The remaining pins in
connector A & B provide an interface for 17 input signals and 15 output signals (reference the input and output table). Each output
represents a specific task or function that the BCM manages/controls.
Six automotive style fuses are located on the front of the module. Each fuse serves a function similar to a master fuse, they protect a
designated group of output circuits but their main function is to protect internal components of the control module. Each output circuit is
protected individually by an electronic control device called a MOSFET. In most cases the MOSFET will be the device protecting each
individual output circuit from an overload or a short to ground but if an electrical fault occurs, creating a spike (a very quick high current
draw) within the circuit or if the overall load of a specific group of circuits exceeds 15 amps, the fuse will blow protecting the circuits and
the internal components of the module. The decal in the body electrical panel access door will identify each fuse, its rating, its location
and the circuits each fuse protects.
Another characteristic of the BCM, typical to other electronic control modules, is its power down mode. When the ignition switch is
turned off the module will immediately and systematically go into a sleep mode. The module will draw very low current (less than 1ma)
and will not operate unless certain inputs become active. Input circuits not having wake up status will not function if the ignition switch is
off. Input circuits having wake up status will function with the ignition switch off but when the input is deactivated the module will return
to its sleep mode. Reference the BCM input table to identify the specific inputs that will cause the control module to wake up in a fully
functional mode.
The BCM is designed to monitor full on or full off body circuit inputs and deliver an output according to programed circuit logic. The
BCM is programed to recognize when inputs are active (on) and or inactive (off), the module compares each input or a group of inputs
with its pre-programed logic and activates outputs accordingly. The body control module does not manage all body circuits. To
determine which circuits are managed by the body control module reference the input and output table below.
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Standard School Bus Body Control Module (BCM) Input and Output table
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Circuits Assigned to each Body Control Module Connector
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Ladder Logic Lines
Ladder logic lines or diagrams provide a means of communicating circuit logic, which inputs are necessary for the BCM to activate a
specific output. To understand an electrical circuit a technician needs to know the function of the circuit and what conditions are
necessary to activate the circuit. All outputs managed by the BCM will have their own logic line. A logic line relating to a specific output
can be located by simply reviewing the output description (located on the far right of the logic line) of each logic line until you locate the
logic line in question.
Each logic line consists of a horizontal line with a description of all inputs necessary to make the circuit function on the left and the
output being activated on the far right. Each logic line will have one or more inputs but will only have one output. The description of
each input and output is placed just below the horizontal line. A logic symbol is placed on the horizontal line above each input and
output description. This symbol indicates if the inputs and output should be active (on) or inactive (off). Circuit logic may require some
inputs on a logic line to be active while requiring other inputs on the same logic line to be inactive before the microprocessor in the BCM
will activate a specific output. When all of the inputs on the logic line are set according to the logic symbols (active/on or inactive/off),
input logic has been satisfied and the microprocessor in the BCM will signal for the output to be activated.
Using a logic line to understand how a circuit works would require reading the line from left to right.
Example:
Reading the logic line from left to right provides all the necessary inputs, input logic (or input status, active/on or inactive/off) and the
specific output that is activated if all the requirements are satisfied. If you think of a ladder logic line as a formula, it could be written as;
inputs + input logic = output.
Example of ladder logic requirement above:
Right Turn Switch input = Active/On (Input Chart lists as 12V Input, Connector A, and Pin 7)
Ignition Switch input = Active/On (Input Chart lists as 12V Input, Connector B, and Pin 11)
Flash Flag = Active Flag/On
Right Turn Signal output = Active/On (Output Chart lists as 12V Output, Connector A, and Pin 6)
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Troubleshooting Body Control Module Electrical Circuits
[Caution] Failure to follow specific troubleshooting guidelines could result in damage to Body Control Module.
Use a high impedance volt meter for circuit testing. Refer to Blue Bird wiring schematics for the bus being serviced. Select the link
below from any internet capable device to view wiring schematics, even on smartphones!
[Link]
1. Determine if the failed circuit is managed by the Body Control Module.
a. Review the circuit description column in the BCM Output Table.
b. If the circuit is not in the list, it is not managed by the BCM.
• Locate the circuit wiring diagram and use conventional electrical circuit troubleshooting to resolve the issue.
c. If the circuit is in the list it is managed by the BCM. Go to step 2.
2. Check the BCM for required output.
a. Refer to the BCM output table for the connector and pin number of the failed circuit.
b. Set all the conditions necessary for the specific output circuit to be active (on).
• Refer to the applicable ladder logic line for the output. Reference inputs and input logic required, set inputs accordingly.
c. Back probe the output circuit for 12 volts.
• If the voltage is correct the test indicates the BCM and all inputs are functioning properly and the failure is downstream of the
BCM. The failure could be in the output circuit, other downstream control devices, or the load its self may have failed. Refer to the
output circuit electrical diagram and use conventional electrical circuit troubleshooting to identify the fault.
• If voltage is not detected on the output circuit the test indicates one of the following four conditions. (1) One or more of the power
or grounds circuits supplying the BCM have failed. (2) One of the supply fuses has failed. (3) One or more of the inputs for that
specific circuit has failed or (4) the BCM has failed.
3. Check power supply circuits for the BCM.
a. Refer to the BCM input table and identify the connector and pin numbers for all the input power circuits and ground circuits.
• Use a volt meter to confirm all power and ground circuits are good.
• Check the circuit fuses. Each input power circuit is protected with a fuse located on the fuse panel inside the body electrical panel
(not the fuse on the BCM).
• Use conventional electrical troubleshooting to determine failure of power circuits.
4. Check BCM Inputs.
a. Locate the circuit in question on the BCM input table, refer to the applicable ladder logic line.
b. Systematically check input circuits as indicated on the logic line.
c. Set conditions (active or inactive depending on each input logic symbol) for all inputs required to generate and active output for the
circuit in question.
d. Refer to the input table for the connector and pin number of each input.
e. Back probe each input (keep in mind some of the inputs may be active and others inactive to satisfy circuit logic, refer to the logic
symbol above each input).
f. Locate the electrical diagram for the failed input and use conventional electrical troubleshooting to resolve the issue.
g. If all of the inputs test good a failure may have occurred inside the BCM.
5. Confirm the Body Control Module has failed.
a. Refer to the BCM output table and check specific BCM output.
b. Refer to the BCM input tables and check for 12V on all power inputs.
c. Check all BCM fuses.
d. Refer to the input table and check all grounds (less than 10 ohm).
e. Refer to the specific ladder logic line and check each input.
f. Review all the troubleshooting steps (steps 1 – 5) that apply to the specific failure mode. If the cause of the failure has not been
discovered by reviewing the troubleshooting steps a second time, failure may have occurred in the BCM.
Carefully review all troubleshooting procedures and call your Blue Bird Service Provider prior to replacing the BCM.
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