Tuesday, November 20, 2012

How-To: Stop that annoying ding in your vehicle. (Part One)

     When I'm searching for "How-To's" and guides, I want just that. You have your reasons for the mods you do, and I have mine. This short write-up will explain how to remove the annoying buzzer from Chevrolet Silverados or GMC Sierras from 1999 (late) to 2002. This may work on newer vehicles or even other models, but I've not had experience with others to this date.


Click the article to read more!

     First, locate and remove the vehicle's BCM (Body Contol Module). This is found directly under the steering column, behind the lower dash panel. If needed, read the following directions. Otherwise, skip to the next step.

Locating and Removing the BCM:
1. Insert the key and turn the key to the start position. You don't have to start the vehicle.
2. Put the transmission in first gear.
3. Pull the front dash bezel away from the dash. This is the piece of plastic that surrounds the gauge cluster, radio, and HVAC controls. It's only held in by a few clips.
4. Remove the two 7mm screws at the bottom of the lower dash panel.
5. Remove the lower dash panel. The top is held in by two clips.
6. Unplug the three wire harnesses from the BCM. There will be a brown, blue, and purple one (from left to right).
7. Remove the BCM. It's held in by two plastic clips on the bottom. One on the right, and one on the left.


This image shows the lower dash panel that you will need to remove.
The area shaded in red is where you will find the BCM.




This is the BCM removed from the vehicle.





     Next, open the BCM housing and locate the buzzer. There is a bottom half, and top half. They are held together by four plastic clips, which are visible from the outside of the housing.


The red arrow shows the buzzer.





     Now, completely remove the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) from the housing and locate the points that the buzzer is soldered.

The two red arrows show where the buzzer is soldered on the other side.





     Finally, unsolder the buzzer from the board. You're done! No more annoying ding sound! Part two of this guide will show you how to replace the buzzer with a 5mm LED.