Is Your Chevy Malibu Experiencing Strange Electrical Problems?
The Body Control Module (BCM) is the central command center for your vehicle’s electronic accessories. It manages everything from your power windows and door locks to the interior lights, security system, and even communicates with other vital modules. When the BCM in your 2014-2016 Chevrolet Malibu begins to fail, it can create a cascade of confusing and frustrating issues that can be difficult to diagnose. You might experience flickering lights, a security system that won’t disarm, or power accessories that work intermittently or not at all. These aren’t just annoyances; they can compromise your vehicle’s functionality and security.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2015 Malibu come in with a classic “phantom problem.” The customer complained of a dead battery every few mornings and the interior dome lights sometimes staying on after the doors were locked. We checked the battery and alternator, which were both fine. After hours of tracing circuits, we found the BCM was failing to enter its ‘sleep’ mode, causing a small but persistent parasitic draw that drained the battery overnight. Replacing the BCM was the only fix, but the customer was worried about the high cost and hassle of dealer programming. Our cloning service was the perfect solution, getting them back on the road quickly with their original key fobs and settings intact, solving the problem for good.
Is Your Malibu Showing These BCM Failure Symptoms?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re noticing any of the following issues, your BCM is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights that flicker, stay on, or don’t turn on at all.
- ✔ The vehicle’s security system acting erratically or preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or the panic alarm going off randomly.
- ✔ A persistent parasitic battery drain that kills your battery overnight.
- ✔ Inaccurate readings on the instrument cluster or warning lights that have no apparent cause.
- ✔ Key fobs that stop working or have a significantly reduced range.
The Simple, No-Hassle Solution: A Pre-Programmed 2014-2016 Malibu BCM
Replacing a BCM traditionally means a trip to the dealership for expensive and time-consuming programming. Our unique cloning service eliminates this step entirely. We provide a straightforward, plug-and-play solution that saves you time and money. The process is simple: you place your order, we provide instructions for you to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our expert technicians transfer all the critical data—including your vehicle’s VIN, mileage, and key fob information—from your old module to this replacement unit. We then ship the fully programmed replacement back to you, ready for immediate installation.
Installation and Post-Install Procedures
Installation is as simple as disconnecting the battery, removing the old BCM (typically located in the driver’s side kick panel), and plugging in the new one. Because we’ve cloned your original data, the car will recognize the new module as its own. In some cases, minor recalibrations may be needed:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a professional scan tool is required to perform the “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure proper brake light and traction control function, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary.
Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for vehicle-specific guidance.
Part Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify that your original module’s part number is on this list:
Compatible Part Numbers: 13580698, 13578458, 13589115, 13589637, 13590173, 13590851, 13591300, 13592376, 13593775, 13593776, 13594564
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
LACROSSE 14-16, MALIBU 14-16 (including Limited), VOLT 14-15, ELR 14-16, REGAL 14-17, CAMARO 14-15, SRX 14-16, SPARK 14-16 (EV model).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will contact you with instructions to ship your original BCM to our facility. Our technicians will then extract the vehicle-specific data and transfer it to the replacement module. We then ship the programmed module back to you, typically within 1-2 business days of receiving your original.
Will I need to have this BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. The entire point of our service is to bypass the need for dealer programming. The module you receive will be a plug-and-play solution, already configured for your specific vehicle.
Is this a simple DIY installation?
For many individuals with basic mechanical skills, yes. The BCM is usually accessible in the driver’s or passenger’s side kick panel or dash area. The process involves disconnecting the battery and swapping the modules. However, if you are not comfortable working on your vehicle’s electronics, we recommend professional installation.
Do I need to send you my keys or key fobs?
No. All the necessary key and security information is stored within your original BCM. By cloning this data, your existing keys and fobs will work seamlessly with the replacement module.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or unreadable?
In most cases, even with significant internal damage, we can still retrieve the necessary data. If you suspect your module is severely damaged (e.g., by water or fire), please contact us before ordering to discuss the situation.