Are you battling a cascade of bizarre electrical problems in your 2012-2013 Buick LaCrosse? One day the power windows have a mind of their own, the next the radio won’t turn off, and you’re seeing warning lights flash for no reason. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues countless times. The culprit is almost always a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central command center for your vehicle’s electronics.
The BCM manages everything from your interior lights and door locks to the security system and communication between other vital modules. When it starts to fail, it can create frustrating and unpredictable symptoms that seem completely unrelated. A trip to the dealership often means a hefty bill for a new module plus expensive programming fees. Our service offers a smarter, more direct solution.
We provide a fully tested replacement BCM that is programmed by cloning the data from your original unit. This process ensures a seamless, plug-and-play installation. Simply send us your faulty BCM, and we’ll transfer its unique vehicle-specific information to a replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install part back to you, eliminating the need for dealership intervention. This is the most reliable and cost-effective way to restore your vehicle’s proper function.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Haunted 2012 LaCrosse
A customer brought in a 2012 LaCrosse with a list of complaints that sounded like the car was possessed. The dome lights would flicker while driving, the driver’s side window would intermittently stop working, and the ‘Service Security System’ message would pop up randomly. They had already replaced the battery and checked fuses. My initial scan showed a slew of communication loss codes (U-codes) with various modules. This is a classic sign. Instead of chasing individual components, I went straight for the BCM. After connecting my scope, I saw erratic voltage on the communication lines originating from the module. We swapped it with one of our programmed units, and every single ghost in the machine vanished. It’s a perfect example of how a single failing 2012-2013 LaCrosse BCM can cause system-wide chaos.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working at all.
- ✔ The security system acting up, or the car failing to start due to an anti-theft fault.
- ✔ Unresponsive key fob or push-to-start system.
- ✔ False warning lights on the dashboard, such as ‘Service StabiliTrak’ or ‘Service Airbag’.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication loss, such as U0140, U0155, or U0100.
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Swap
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On the 2012-2013 LaCrosse, the BCM is typically located in the driver’s side kick panel area, to the left of the steering column. You may need to remove a lower dash panel for access.
- ✔ Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors from the module. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the BCM from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your newly programmed BCM in the same location and reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- ✔ Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Post-Install Checks: Start the vehicle and verify that the original issues are resolved. Check the function of lights, locks, and windows. Note the post-installation procedures below.
Important Post-Installation Information
While our cloning service makes this a plug-and-play repair, some GM vehicles may require additional steps after installation:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a compatible high-level scan tool. This syncs the BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be needed to ensure correct brake light operation and traction control functionality.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. Always have a factory service manual available for reference or consult with a qualified professional if you are unsure about any step.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM, identified by part number 13580696, is a direct replacement for part numbers 123589093, 13588446, 13584692, and 13583542. It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- 2012 Buick Regal (LH dash)
- 2012-2013 Buick LaCrosse (LH kick panel, ID 13580696)
- 2012 Buick Verano (Below center of dash)
- 2012 Cadillac SRX (LH dash, ID 13580696)
- 2012-2014 Chevrolet Camaro (RH dash)
- 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (LH side dash)
- 2013 Chevrolet Spark (Left lower a-pillar)
- 2012 Chevrolet Volt (RH engine compartment)
- 2012 GMC Terrain (LH side dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will provide instructions for shipping your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the vehicle-specific data and transfer it to your replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you.
Do I need to get this 2012-2013 LaCrosse BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. Our cloning service handles all the necessary programming. The module you receive from us will be plug-and-play, saving you the time and expense of a dealership visit.
Is there a core charge or do I get my old BCM back?
There is no core charge for this service. We use your original BCM for the data transfer and then ship it back to you along with your newly programmed replacement module.
What tools are needed for the post-installation procedures?
The Airbag System Sync and Brake Pedal Position Relearn procedures require a professional-grade bidirectional diagnostic scan tool, such as a GM Tech 2, MDI, or equivalent high-end scanner. Basic code readers cannot perform these functions.
What if my original BCM is too damaged to be read?
In most cases, even with significant internal failure, we can still retrieve the necessary data. If your module has severe physical damage (e.g., from a fire or flood), please contact us before ordering to discuss options.