Restore Your Vehicle’s Electrical System with a Hassle-Free Solution
Are you dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu or another compatible GM vehicle? From flickering lights and malfunctioning power windows to a car that refuses to start, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) can be the culprit behind a host of frustrating problems. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty BCM can turn a reliable car into an unpredictable headache. It acts as the central hub for your car’s body electronics, and when it fails, chaos ensues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a safety issue.
Forget expensive dealership visits and the high costs of programming a new module from scratch. We offer a straightforward and reliable solution. This listing is for a replacement BCM that comes fully programmed using the data from your vehicle’s original module. You simply send us your BCM, we perform a professional data transfer to this replacement unit, and ship it back to you, ready for installation. It’s the most efficient way to get your car back to 100% functionality without the dealership hassle.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2013 Chevy Cruze with a laundry list of complaints: the radio would turn on and off by itself, the dome light wouldn’t work, and the key fob was unresponsive. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. Diagnostics showed a series of communication error codes (U-codes), pointing to a network issue. Instead of chasing wires for hours, my experience pointed directly to the BCM. We swapped in a BCM programmed with our cloning service, and instantly, every single issue was resolved. This is a classic example of how a failing 2013 Malibu BCM (and its counterparts in other GM models) can create widespread, seemingly unrelated problems.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, locks, and mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working at all.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft system preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Inconsistent or dead instrument cluster gauges.
- ✔ Key fob not responding or working intermittently.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication errors, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-codes.
Your Straightforward BCM Swap Guide
Installing your pre-programmed BCM is a manageable task for a confident DIYer. While the exact location varies slightly by model, the process is generally similar. For the 2013 Malibu BCM, you’ll find it behind the driver’s side kick panel.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2013 Malibu, remove the driver’s side kick panel (the plastic trim piece by your left foot) to access the module.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, remove any bolts or clips holding the module in place and take it out.
- Install the New Module: Seat the new, programmed BCM in the same position and secure it with the original hardware.
- Reconnect and Test: Firmly plug all electrical connectors into the new BCM. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all body functions—lights, windows, locks, etc.—to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Information
In some cases, additional vehicle-specific relearn procedures may be necessary after installation. These are typically required if certain warning lights appear:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is on, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to sync the modules.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure correct brake light and traction control operation, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be required on certain models.
Disclaimer: Always refer to a factory service manual for your specific vehicle for detailed instructions and torque specs. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, please consult a qualified professional mechanic.
Verified Compatibility for Your GM Vehicle
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for units with part numbers 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, or 13589325. It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- Buick Encore: 2013-2014
- Buick Regal: 2013
- Buick Verano: 2013-2017
- Cadillac SRX: 2013
- Chevrolet Cruze: 2013-2015, 2016 (Limited)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2013-2017
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2013
- Chevrolet Orlando: 2013-2014
- Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2015 (Gasoline)
- Chevrolet Trax: 2013-2014
- Chevrolet Volt: 2013
- GMC Terrain: 2013-2017
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the programming service work?
After you purchase, we will contact you with instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the vehicle-specific data and transfer it to the replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you. This process ensures 100% compatibility with your vehicle’s existing systems.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Yes. Because we program the replacement module using your original’s data, it is a direct plug-and-play installation. This eliminates the need for any additional programming by a dealership or mechanic, though some minor relearn procedures may be needed as noted above.
Do I need to return my old BCM for a core charge?
There is no core charge for this item. We require your original BCM to perform the data cloning service. Once the service is complete, we ship the newly programmed replacement to you. You do not need to worry about a separate core return after installation.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In most cases, even if the BCM has failed, the essential data on the chip is still readable. We have specialized tools to extract this data. Please contact us if your module has severe water or fire damage, as that can sometimes make data recovery impossible.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This replacement 2013 Malibu BCM is designed to fix issues caused by a faulty module. The symptoms listed above are strong indicators of BCM failure. Proper diagnosis is key, but if your mechanic has condemned the BCM, this is the most effective and affordable solution.