Is Your Vehicle Plagued by Baffling Electrical Issues?
If you’re dealing with flickering lights, unresponsive power windows or locks, a security system that acts on its own, or a car that refuses to start, the culprit is often a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central nervous system for your vehicle’s body electronics, managing everything from your interior lights and keyless entry to the anti-theft system. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated problems.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We recently had a 2013 Chevy Volt come into the shop with a list of strange symptoms. The owner reported that the dashboard lights would flicker randomly, the key fob would only work intermittently, and occasionally the car wouldn’t recognize the key at all, preventing it from starting. After checking the battery and alternator, our diagnostics pointed to an internal fault in the BCM. A new module from the dealership plus programming was quoted at over a thousand dollars. Instead, we used our programming service. We transferred the data from his original, faulty module to one of our tested replacement units. The customer had his car back in a few days, fully functional, for a fraction of the cost. It’s a common story for these vehicles, and this service is the most effective solution.
Common Symptoms of a Failing BCM
- ā Erratic or non-functional interior and exterior lights (headlights, taillights, dome lights).
- ā Power windows, door locks, or mirrors not working correctly.
- ā Key fob or remote entry system failure.
- ā Vehicle’s anti-theft or security system engaging randomly.
- ā Dashboard warning lights illuminating for no reason.
- ā Intermittent no-start conditions where the engine won’t crank.
- ā Wipers or horn activating unexpectedly.
Your Plug-and-Play Solution: A Programmed Chevy Volt BCM
Don’t let a faulty BCM keep you off the road or force you into an expensive dealership visit. Our professional programming service provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable solution. We take the critical data from your original BCMāincluding key programming, security information, and vehicle-specific optionsāand flash it directly onto a replacement module. The result is a unit that is 100% plug-and-play. No additional programming or calibration is required on your end for the module itself.
How The Service Works:
- ā Place Your Order: Complete your purchase through our secure checkout.
- ā Ship Us Your Module: We will contact you with clear instructions on how to safely remove and ship your original BCM to our facility.
- ā We Program Your Replacement: Upon receiving your module, our technicians will expertly transfer all necessary data to a fully tested replacement BCM.
- ā Receive Your Plug-and-Play Part: We ship the newly programmed module back to you, typically within 24-48 hours. You’ll receive tracking information as soon as it’s on its way.
This service is a direct replacement for part number 13583450 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify that your original module carries one of the following part numbers:
Compatible Part Numbers: 13579004, 13580198, 13582396, 13583450, 13586856, 13582688, 13586278, 13501737, 13501739, 13577924, 13580773, 13583451
Important Post-Installation Steps
While the BCM itself is plug-and-play, modern vehicles have interconnected systems. In some cases, you may need to perform simple relearn procedures after installation:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is on 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 and is only required if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: Some models may require a brake pedal position sensor recalibration to ensure proper brake light and traction control functionality. This can often be done with a high-end diagnostic tool.
Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for vehicle-specific procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BCM and what does it do?
The Body Control Module (BCM) is a computer in your vehicle that controls and monitors a wide range of electronic accessories not related to the engine, such as power windows, locks, lights, wipers, and the security system.
How does this programming service work?
You purchase this service and ship your original BCM to us. We extract the unique data from your module and transfer it to a replacement unit. We then ship the programmed replacement back to you, ready for installation.
Is this a true plug-and-play solution?
Yes, the BCM itself is programmed to be plug-and-play. It will not require any further programming at a dealership. However, as with any major module replacement, some related systems like the airbag or brake sensor may require a simple relearn procedure.
Why do I need to send my original module?
Your original module contains vital security and vehicle-specific configuration data. By cloning this data, we ensure the replacement module works perfectly with your existing keys and vehicle options, saving you hundreds in dealership programming fees.
How long does the entire process take?
Once we receive your original module, our programming service is typically completed within 24-48 business hours. The total time will depend on shipping times to and from our facility.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This service corrects issues caused by a faulty BCM. If your vehicle has been properly diagnosed with a failed BCM, this is the most effective solution. It will not fix problems related to other faulty components, such as bad wiring or failed sensors.