Restore Your GM Vehicle’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
Are you dealing with baffling electrical issues in your 2014-2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or another compatible GM vehicle? Problems like flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows and locks, or random warning indicators on your dash often point to a single culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your car’s body electronics, and when it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of frustrating and unpredictable symptoms. Going to the dealership often means a hefty bill for a new module plus expensive programming fees. We offer a smarter, more affordable path forward.
This is a comprehensive cloning service for your BCM. Instead of selling you a blank module that requires dealer intervention, we transfer the critical data from your original, failing BCM directly onto a fully tested replacement unit. This process ensures the replacement module is a perfect digital twin of your original, retaining all your vehicle’s specific settings, key fob information, and security data. The result is a true plug-and-play component that gets you back on the road without the dealership hassle. Our service for your 2014-2016 Spark BCM is designed to be simple, reliable, and effective.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2015 Chevy Volt with a complaint that was stumping other shops: the interior lights would stay on intermittently, draining the battery overnight, and the power locks worked only half the time. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the door switches. After connecting my scan tool, I noticed several ‘loss of communication’ codes (U-codes) with various accessory modules. Instead of chasing ghosts in the wiring, my experience pointed directly to the BCM. A failing BCM often acts like a faulty switchboard, sending garbled messages across the vehicle’s network. We performed our cloning service, and the customer had their car back the next day with all issues resolved—saving them from what could have been hundreds more in unnecessary diagnostic labor.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty BCM could be the cause. In my shop, these are the classic indicators I see on vehicles like the Chevy Spark, Malibu, and Cadillac SRX:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional interior and exterior lights (headlights, dome lights, turn signals).
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or security system behaving unpredictably.
- ✔ The horn sounding randomly or not working at all.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights appearing for no reason (e.g., ABS, Airbag, Traction Control).
- ✔ Communication Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), such as U0140, U0155, or other U-series codes.
- ✔ In some cases, a no-start condition where the ignition seems dead.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your newly programmed BCM is a direct swap. The key is our cloning service, which handles all the complex software work beforehand. For the 2014-2016 Spark EV, the BCM is located at the left lower A-pillar.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the Original BCM: Access the module. On the Spark EV, this is typically behind the trim panel at the base of the driver-side A-pillar (the pillar between the windshield and the driver’s door). On other models, check the specified location (e.g., LH kick panel, RH dash).
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the Replacement: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all electrical connectors. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Reconnect and Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all body functions—lights, locks, windows, horn, etc.—to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Information
While our service makes this a plug-and-play repair, some GM vehicles may require a simple relearn procedure after the BCM is replaced. These are not always necessary but are good to be aware of:
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag light is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On certain models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn might be required to ensure correct brake light and traction control operation.
- Disclaimer: Always refer to a factory service manual for your specific vehicle for the most accurate procedures.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM cloning service is compatible with units bearing part number 13589115 and other interchangeable numbers listed below. It fits the following vehicles, but always verify the part number on your original module matches one in our list.
- Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2016 (Electric model EV, left lower a-pillar)
- Buick LaCrosse: 2014-2016 (LH kick panel)
- Buick Regal: 2014-2017 (LH dash)
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2014-2015 & 2016 Limited (LH kick panel)
- Chevrolet Volt: 2014-2015 (RH engine compartment)
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2014-2015 (RH dash)
- Cadillac ELR: 2014-2016 (RH cowl or RH engine compartment)
- Cadillac SRX: 2014-2016 (LH dash)
Compatible Part Numbers: 13580698, 13578458, 13589115, 13589637, 13590173, 13590851, 13591300, 13592376, 13593775, 13593776, 13594564
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will provide you with shipping instructions. You send us your original BCM. We then use specialized equipment to extract the vehicle-specific data and transfer it to a replacement module. We ship the newly programmed module back to you, ready for installation.
Do I need to send my keys?
No, you do not need to send your keys. Because we are cloning the data from your original module, all your existing key fob and security information will be transferred to the replacement BCM and will work immediately upon installation.
What if my original BCM is too damaged to be read?
In the vast majority of cases, even with significant internal failure, the core data is still readable. If we encounter a rare situation where the data cannot be retrieved, we will contact you immediately to discuss options, which would include a full refund of your purchase.
Is this a guaranteed fix for my vehicle’s problems?
This service corrects issues directly caused by a faulty BCM. While the symptoms listed are strong indicators, it is crucial to have your vehicle properly diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. We guarantee our programmed module will function correctly, but cannot guarantee it will fix problems stemming from other parts of the vehicle (e.g., wiring, sensors).
How long does the entire process take?
Once we receive your original module, our service is typically completed within 1-2 business days. We will then ship the replacement BCM back to you. The total turnaround time will depend on shipping speeds to and from our facility.
Is there a core charge?
No, there is absolutely no core charge for this service. We use your original module for data transfer only. You are free to keep your original module after the service is complete.