Tired of Unpredictable Electrical Problems in Your GM Vehicle?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to baffling electrical gremlins. Your vehicle’s lights flicker for no reason, the power windows have a mind of their own, or worse, a warning light appears on the dash that you can’t clear. These are classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central hub for your car’s body electronics. For owners of the 2013 Chevy Volt and other compatible GM models, this can be a frustrating and expensive problem to solve—until now.
Forget costly dealership visits and the hassle of programming a new module from scratch. We offer a straightforward and reliable solution: a replacement BCM programmed specifically for your vehicle using a data clone from your original unit. This service makes the repair process as simple as swapping a part. You send us your faulty BCM, we transfer all the critical vehicle-specific data to a fully tested replacement module, and we ship both units back to you. The result is a true plug-and-play fix that gets you back on the road without the dealership’s price tag or wait times.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Ghost in the Machine
I remember a 2013 Chevy Cruze that came into the shop with a laundry list of bizarre symptoms. The radio would turn on and off, the turn signals worked intermittently, and the anti-theft light would flash, sometimes preventing the car from starting. The owner had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scan tool, I saw a slew of U-codes (communication errors) pointing to the BCM. Instead of a complex wiring issue, the root cause was internal failure of the BCM itself. By cloning the original module’s data onto a replacement, we had the car running perfectly in an afternoon, saving the customer hundreds compared to the dealership quote. This is the exact, reliable service we provide for your 2013 Volt BCM.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional interior and exterior lights (headlights, dome lights, etc.).
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ Horn sounding randomly or not working when pressed.
- ✔ Vehicle security system faults or inability to start the engine (anti-theft).
- ✔ Wipers turning on by themselves or not responding to the switch.
- ✔ Multiple communication-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), often starting with ‘U’.
- ✔ Warning lights on the dashboard, such as the airbag or brake system indicators.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On the 2013 Chevrolet Volt, the Body Control Module is located in the right-hand (passenger side) of the engine compartment. For other models, its location can vary (e.g., under the dash, in the kick panel), so confirm with a service manual if you’re unsure.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors from the BCM. Note their orientation. Then, unfasten any bolts or clips securing the module to the vehicle and remove it.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely fasten it. Reconnect all the electrical connectors to their correct ports.
- ✔ Reconnect Power: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Perform Final Checks: Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, locks, windows, wipers, etc.—to ensure everything is working correctly. Refer to the post-installation procedures below if any warning lights appear.
Important Post-Installation Steps
Our cloning service handles the vast majority of the setup, but some vehicle systems may require a quick handshake with the new BCM. Please be aware of the following potential procedures:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed using a professional-grade diagnostic tool. This is a security measure that syncs the airbag system with the BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary. This ensures your brake lights and traction control system function as intended.
Disclaimer: Specific requirements can vary. We always recommend consulting a factory service manual or a certified technician if you are uncertain about any step.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM, part number 13589197, is a direct replacement for several part numbers and fits a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your original part number is on this list: 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, 13589325.
- Buick Encore: 2013-2014 (LH side of dash)
- Buick Regal: 2013 (LH dash)
- Buick Verano: 2013-2017 (Below center of dash)
- Cadillac SRX: 2013 (LH dash)
- Chevrolet Cruze: 2013-2015 (LH kick panel), 2016 (Limited models, VIN P)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2013-2017 (LH side dash)
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2013 (LH kick panel)
- Chevrolet Orlando: 2013-2014 (Below center console)
- Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2015 (Gasoline, left lower A-pillar)
- Chevrolet Trax: 2013-2014 (LH side of dash)
- Chevrolet Volt: 2013 (RH engine compartment)
- GMC Terrain: 2013-2017 (LH side dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly does the cloning service work?
It’s simple. After you place your order, we’ll provide instructions for shipping your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians extract the unique, vehicle-specific data and flash it onto your replacement BCM. We then ship both your original module and the ready-to-install replacement back to you.
Will I get my original BCM back?
Yes, absolutely. We always return your original module along with the programmed replacement unit. We do not keep customer cores.
Is this really plug-and-play?
Yes, for over 95% of installations. Because we clone your vehicle’s exact data, the new BCM is recognized by the car’s other computers, eliminating the need for dealer programming. In rare cases, a simple relearn procedure like for the airbag or brake pedal sensor may be needed, as described above.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or unreadable?
In most cases, even with significant internal failure, we can still retrieve the necessary data. If for some reason your module’s data is completely corrupted and unrecoverable, we will contact you to discuss options, which would include a full refund.
How do I know if the BCM is truly the problem?
While the symptoms listed are strong indicators, a proper diagnosis is always recommended. This involves checking fuses, relays, and wiring, and using a scan tool to check for specific BCM-related trouble codes. If you’re unsure, consulting with a professional mechanic is a good idea.