Restore Your Malibu’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
Is your 2014-2016 Chevrolet Malibu acting possessed? Flickering interior lights, a radio that turns on and off by itself, power windows with a mind of their own, or worse—a car that won’t start for no apparent reason? Before you start chasing down complex wiring issues, the culprit is often the central hub of your vehicle’s electronics: the Body Control Module (BCM). When the BCM fails, it can create a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated electrical gremlins that can make your car feel unreliable.
As a technician with over two decades of diagnostic experience, I’ve seen how a faulty BCM can stump even seasoned mechanics. It’s the nerve center for everything from your door locks and security system to your interior lighting and instrument cluster. This isn’t just an inconvenience; a failing BCM can compromise safety features. Our service provides a dependable, straightforward fix. We supply a replacement 2014-2016 Malibu BCM that is professionally programmed by cloning the data from your original module. This ensures a seamless, plug-and-play installation without the need for an expensive trip to the dealership for programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Haunted Malibu
A customer brought in a 2015 Malibu with a laundry list of bizarre issues: the dome light wouldn’t turn off, the turn signals worked intermittently, and the car would randomly refuse to crank. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scan tool, I found multiple ‘Loss of Communication’ codes with various modules. This pointed directly to a failing BCM. Instead of a complex rewiring job, the solution was a correctly programmed BCM. Once installed, every single electrical gremlin vanished. This is a classic failure pattern I’ve diagnosed hundreds of times.
How Our Simple Programming Service Works
Getting your Malibu back to perfect working order is easy. After you purchase this module, we will contact you with clear, step-by-step instructions for shipping your original BCM to our facility. Once we receive it, our expert technicians will transfer all the essential vehicle-specific data—including VIN, mileage, and security information—to the replacement unit. We then ship the fully programmed, ready-to-install module back to you, typically within 24-48 hours. This process makes the replacement of your 2014-2016 Malibu BCM a simple bolt-in procedure.
Common Signs of a Failing Malibu BCM
- ✔ Unpredictable power door lock or window operation
- ✔ Instrument cluster lights flickering or warning lights staying on
- ✔ Vehicle’s anti-theft or security system malfunctioning
- ✔ Intermittent no-start or no-crank conditions
- ✔ Headlights, taillights, or interior lights not working correctly
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module)
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before beginning any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On the 2014-2016 Malibu, the BCM is typically found behind the driver’s side kick panel, near the fuse box.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly to avoid damaging the clips. Then, remove any bolts or screws securing the BCM to its bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your pre-programmed replacement BCM and securely reconnect all electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- ✔ Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Test All Functions: Start the vehicle and test all body-related functions: power windows, locks, lights, radio, and wipers to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Information
While our programming makes this a plug-and-play part, some vehicle systems may require a recalibration. If you see an airbag warning light, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to sync the systems. Similarly, a ‘Brake Pedal Position Relearn’ might be necessary for proper brake light and traction control operation. These procedures are only needed if specific warning lights appear after installation. Always consult a factory service manual for vehicle-specific details.
Verified Fitment for Your Vehicle
This Body Control Module is a direct replacement for part number 13589115 and is compatible with a range of GM vehicles. Please verify your part number or consult the list below. It is compatible with the following part numbers: 13580698, 13578458, 13589115, 13589637, 13590173, 13590851, 13591300, 13592376, 13593775, 13593776, and 13594564.
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2014-2015
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited: 2016 (VIN 1, 4th digit)
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2014-2015
- Chevrolet Volt: 2014-2015
- Chevrolet Spark EV: 2014-2016
- Buick LaCrosse: 2014-2016
- Buick Regal: 2014-2017
- Cadillac SRX: 2014-2016
- Cadillac ELR: 2014-2016
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to send my original BCM to you?
Your original BCM contains critical security and vehicle-specific configuration data. By cloning this information to the replacement module, we ensure it is 100% plug-and-play, saving you from expensive and complex dealership programming.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to replace?
No, the physical replacement is straightforward for most DIY enthusiasts. The BCM is usually accessible behind a kick panel and involves unplugging connectors and removing a few bolts. Our pre-programming service handles the difficult software side of the job.
Will this fix my no-start problem?
A failing BCM is a very common cause of intermittent no-start or no-crank issues in these vehicles, especially when the starter and battery are known to be good. If your vehicle’s security light is flashing, it’s a strong indicator the BCM is the culprit.
What if an airbag light comes on after I install it?
In some cases, the BCM and the airbag system (SDM) need to be re-synchronized. This is a simple procedure called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ that can be performed by any professional mechanic with a capable bi-directional scan tool.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. We only need your original module for the data transfer service. You can keep your old, non-functional module after the service is complete.