Is Your Vehicle Plagued by Electrical Gremlins?
If you’re dealing with a frustrating array of seemingly unrelated electrical issues in your Chevrolet Sonic or other compatible GM vehicle, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is the most likely culprit. The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics. It manages everything from your power windows, door locks, and interior lighting to the security system and communication between other modules. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of bizarre and unpredictable problems that can be difficult to diagnose.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2016 Impala come in with the strangest set of symptoms. The customer reported that sometimes the radio wouldn’t turn off after opening the door, the dome light would flicker randomly, and the key fob would only work intermittently. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After running a full diagnostic scan, we found multiple communication error codes all pointing back to the BCM. A faulty BCM was sending corrupt data across the vehicle’s network, causing chaos. By providing a correctly programmed replacement, we resolved all the issues at once, saving the customer from chasing down individual phantom problems.
Common Symptoms of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on, not turning on, or flickering.
- ✔ The security system or anti-theft light acting up, preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Intermittent issues with the horn, wipers, or radio.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights appearing for no reason (e.g., airbag, ABS).
- ✔ Key fob not being recognized or working inconsistently.
- ✔ A “No Communication with BCM” error on a diagnostic scan tool.
Your Plug-and-Play Solution: The 2015-2019 Sonic BCM Mail-In Service
Forget expensive dealership visits and complex programming procedures. Our professional mail-in cloning service makes this repair straightforward and affordable. We transfer the critical data—including VIN, mileage, and key programming—from your original BCM directly onto this replacement unit. This ensures that when you receive it back, it’s a true plug-and-play installation, perfectly matched to your vehicle’s specific configuration.
How Our Service Works:
- ✔ Place Your Order: Complete your purchase. Ensure your contact information is accurate.
- ✔ We Contact You: Our team will reach out with detailed instructions on how to safely remove and ship your original BCM to our facility.
- ✔ We Program Your Module: Once we receive your original BCM, our expert technicians will perform a full data transfer to the replacement module, typically within 1-2 business days.
- ✔ We Ship It Back: We ship both your original module and the newly programmed replacement back to you. You’ll receive tracking information as soon as it’s on its way.
Post-Installation Information
While our goal is a seamless installation, some GM vehicles may require minor recalibration procedures after the BCM is installed. Please be aware of the following:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure correct brake light operation and traction control functionality.
Disclaimer: Specific procedures can vary. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for guidance.
Guaranteed Fitment for Multiple Models
This BCM is a direct replacement for part number 13506935 and is also compatible with the following part numbers: 13592137, 13506936, 13587704, and 13594764. It fits a wide range of GM vehicles beyond the Chevrolet Sonic. Please verify your part number to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Body Control Module (BCM) do?
The BCM is a computer that acts as the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics. It controls non-engine related functions like power windows, locks, lights, wipers, security system, and more.
Why do I need to send you my original BCM?
Your original BCM contains unique data specific to your vehicle, including the VIN, security key information, and other settings. By cloning this data to the replacement module, we ensure it is a 100% plug-and-play part, saving you from costly and complex dealership programming.
Is this BCM truly plug-and-play?
Yes, in over 95% of cases. Because we transfer all the necessary data from your old module, the vehicle will recognize it as the original. In rare instances, as noted above, a minor relearn procedure like an airbag sync may be required.
What happens if the airbag light comes on after I install it?
This indicates the BCM needs to be synchronized with the airbag’s Supplemental Deployment Module (SDM). A technician with a professional-grade scan tool can perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to resolve this.
How long does the programming service take once you receive my module?
Our standard turnaround time for programming is 1-2 business days after we receive your original BCM. We then ship it back to you promptly.