Restore Your Vehicle’s Electrical System with a Hassle-Free Solution
Are you battling a storm of bizarre electrical problems in your 2011 Chevrolet Equinox? One minute the power windows work, the next they don’t. The radio acts possessed, the interior lights flicker, and you’re seeing warning messages that don’t make sense. These aren’t random glitches; they’re classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it malfunctions, it can create frustrating and unpredictable issues. Dealerships will quote you a fortune for a new module and the mandatory programming. We offer a smarter, more affordable path back to reliability.
This is a fully tested, guaranteed-to-work replacement BCM that comes programmed specifically for your vehicle. How? Through our simple mail-in cloning service. You send us your original BCM, and we professionally transfer all the critical vehicle-specific data—including the VIN, security information, and optional features—to this replacement unit. The result is a true plug-and-play module. You receive it, install it, and go. No expensive trips to the dealer, no special programming tools required on your end. It’s the most effective way to solve complex electrical gremlins for good.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If your vehicle is the nerve center for your vehicle’s comfort and security features, a failing BCM is like a system-wide short circuit. I’ve seen these modules cause headaches for countless owners. Here are the symptoms I see most often in the shop:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on, flickering, or not working at all.
- ✔ The security system acting up, causing no-start conditions or false alarms.
- ✔ Intermittent operation of the radio, climate controls, or instrument cluster gauges.
- ✔ False warning lights on the dashboard, such as for the airbag or traction control system.
- ✔ Communication error codes, often in the U-series (e.g., U0140 – Lost Communication With Body Control Module), stored in other modules.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Equinox with a Mind of its Own
A customer brought in a 2011 Equinox that was driving them crazy. The horn would honk randomly when locking the doors, the driver’s side window wouldn’t go down, and the radio would shut off intermittently. They had already replaced the battery and checked fuses, but the problems persisted. A quick scan showed a dozen communication codes pointing to the BCM. Instead of a costly new unit from the dealer, we used our cloning service. After they mailed in their original module, we transferred the data to a replacement and sent it back. The customer installed it in their driveway in under an hour. Every single electrical issue was gone. It’s a perfect example of how a single component can cause widespread chaos, and how the right service makes the fix straightforward.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Installing your programmed BCM is a manageable job for a DIY enthusiast. On the 2011 Equinox, the BCM is typically located on the left (driver’s) side of the dash, often behind the kick panel or lower dash trim.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Access the Module: Carefully remove any trim panels necessary to gain access to the BCM. This may include the driver’s side lower dash panel or kick panel.
- Disconnect and Remove: Unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location. Reconnect all the electrical connectors, making sure they click securely into place.
- Reassemble and Reconnect: Reinstall any trim panels you removed. Finally, reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Test Functionality: Start the vehicle and test all the functions controlled by the BCM: lights, locks, windows, radio, etc., to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our cloning service makes this a plug-and-play repair, some GM vehicles may require a simple relearn procedure after installation:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is on after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional scan tool to sync the airbag system with the new BCM and clear the light.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure proper brake light and stability control operation.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified professional if you are unsure about any step.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This BCM is a direct replacement for several part numbers and fits a wide range of GM vehicles. Please match your original part number or vehicle to the list below to ensure compatibility. This unit replaces part numbers: 13579004, 13580198, 13582396, 13583450, 13586856, 13582688, 13586278, 13501737, 13501739, 13577924, 13580773, 13583451.
- Buick LaCrosse: 2011, 2012
- Cadillac SRX: 2011, 2012
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2011 (Convertible)
- Chevrolet Cruze: 2012
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2011
- Chevrolet Orlando: 2012
- Chevrolet Volt: 2011, 2013
- GMC Terrain: 2011
- Buick Regal: 2011 (w/opt AUA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the mail-in programming service work?
It’s simple. After you place your order, we will provide you with instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the unique data and transfer it to the replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you, typically within 1-2 business days.
Is this BCM difficult to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, it’s a very manageable task. The main challenge is accessing the module, which is usually behind a trim panel. Since our module is pre-programmed, you don’t need any special electronic tools for the installation itself.
Why can’t I just buy a used BCM from a junkyard?
A used BCM from another vehicle is locked to that car’s VIN and security system. It will not work in your car without being wiped and reprogrammed by a dealer with expensive equipment, which defeats the purpose. Our cloning service bypasses this entire problem.
What if my airbag light comes on after I install it?
This is a possibility on some models. It means the new BCM needs to be electronically ‘introduced’ to the airbag module (SDM). This procedure, called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’, must be done with a bi-directional scan tool, which most professional repair shops have.
Do I have to send my original BCM if it’s completely dead?
In most cases, even if the BCM seems dead and the car won’t start, the core data on the memory chip is still readable. We can typically recover the necessary information. Please contact us if your module has severe physical damage from fire or water.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. You are required to send your original module to us for the data cloning service, but you do not need to return it for a refund.