Tired of Electrical Gremlins in Your GM Vehicle?
Is your Cadillac, Chevy, or Buick acting possessed? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, a security system with a mind of its own, or an engine that refuses to start can all point to one culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your car’s body electronics. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and frustrating issues that can be difficult to diagnose. In my 20+ years in the shop, I’ve seen how a bad BCM can make a perfectly good car feel unreliable.
Instead of facing a costly trip to the dealership for a new module and expensive programming, our service offers a simple, reliable, and affordable solution. We provide a quality replacement 2013 ATS Body Control Module that is professionally programmed using the data from your original unit. This cloning process ensures that the replacement module is a perfect match for your vehicle’s specific configuration, making installation a true plug-and-play experience.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Confused Cadillac
A customer brought in a 2013 Cadillac XTS with a laundry list of bizarre symptoms. The horn would sound off randomly, the interior lights wouldn’t turn off, and the car would occasionally refuse to start, displaying a ‘Service Theft Deterrent System’ message. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my diagnostic tool, I saw multiple communication error codes (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. Instead of a new, unprogrammed unit, we used a cloning service like this one. We sent out the original BCM, got the programmed replacement back in a few days, and installed it. All the strange electrical issues vanished instantly. It was a straightforward fix that saved the customer hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaches.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional interior and exterior lights.
- ✔ Power windows, locks, or mirrors working intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ The security system or keyless entry failing to operate correctly.
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain when the vehicle is off.
- ✔ False warnings on the dashboard information center.
- ✔ Communication error codes (like U0140) stored in the system.
- ✔ A no-start condition where the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
Your Step-by-Step Installation Guide
After we clone your data and ship your programmed BCM back to you, installation is simple. Here’s a general guide:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronic components.
- Locate the BCM: The location varies by model (see our fitment list). For the 2013 ATS, it’s typically located on the firewall. Consult a service manual for your specific vehicle’s location.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount your new, programmed BCM in the same location and securely fasten it. Reconnect all the electrical connectors, ensuring they click firmly into place.
- Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten it securely.
- Test Functions: Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, windows, locks, wipers, etc.—to confirm proper operation.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our cloning service makes this a plug-and-play process, some vehicle systems may require a ‘handshake’ with the new BCM. Please be aware of the following:
- Airbag System Sync: If your 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 airbag system with the new BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be required to ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM, part number 13580689, is a direct replacement for part numbers 13586589 and 13589093. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles:
- ✔ 2013 Cadillac ATS (Body Control Module located on the firewall)
- ✔ 2013 Cadillac XTS (Body Control Module located on the left front hinge pillar)
- ✔ 2013-2014 Chevrolet Sonic (Body Control Module located in the RH rear quarter panel)
- ✔ 2014 Chevrolet Impala (New Style with VIN 1, 4th digit; BCM located in the LH dash)
Always verify your part number and vehicle details before ordering. If you have any questions, our team of experts is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the mail-in cloning service work?
After you purchase, we will contact you with simple instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, we transfer all the critical vehicle data to the replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you with tracking.
Why is cloning better than buying a new BCM from a dealer?
Our cloning service makes the replacement BCM plug-and-play. This means you avoid the expensive programming fees and scheduling hassles required when a dealership installs a new, blank module. It’s a faster and more cost-effective repair.
Do I need to send my keys or any other parts?
No. We only need your original Body Control Module. All the necessary security and key information is stored within the BCM itself, which we will transfer to the new unit.
Is there a core charge for my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge. We require your original module to perform the programming service, but you are welcome to keep it afterward if you wish.
What if the airbag light comes on after I install it?
This is uncommon, but if it happens, it means the BCM needs to be synced with the airbag module (SDM). This requires a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ procedure, which can be performed by any professional mechanic with a capable diagnostic scan tool.