Is Your Chevrolet Volt Experiencing Bizarre Electrical Problems?
If your 2011 Chevrolet Volt is acting possessed—with flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, intermittent starting issues, or random warning lights on the dash—the culprit is often a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central nervous system for your vehicle’s electronic accessories and features. When it begins to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and frustrating symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose. Don’t let a faulty module keep your innovative vehicle off the road. We have a reliable, straightforward solution.
We recently had a 2012 Chevy Cruze (which uses a similar BCM) come into the shop with a complaint that was baffling the owner. The horn would honk randomly, the interior dome light would stay on, and the car wouldn’t recognize the key fob intermittently. After checking all the basic wiring and fuses, we connected our diagnostic scanner and found multiple communication error codes pointing to the BCM. Instead of a costly replacement and programming session at the dealership, we performed a cloning service just like this one. We transferred the data from his old, failing module to a replacement unit. The customer was back on the road the same day with all issues resolved, saving him hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaches.
Symptoms of a Failing GM Body Control Module
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways, often making you think multiple components have failed at once. Before you start replacing individual switches and motors, check if you’re experiencing any of these common signs of BCM failure:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not working at all.
- ✔ The security system acting up, causing no-start conditions or false alarms.
- ✔ Inconsistent or non-working radio, climate controls, or instrument cluster gauges.
- ✔ Key fob not being detected or remote start failing.
- ✔ Multiple, unrelated warning lights appearing on the dashboard (e.g., ABS, Airbag, Traction Control).
- ✔ Poor battery life or a dead battery due to the BCM not letting other modules go to sleep.
The Perfect Plug-and-Play Solution: Our Cloning Service
Dealerships will charge you for a new module and several hours of labor to program it to your vehicle’s specific VIN and options. Our service eliminates that complexity and cost. This listing is for a replacement BCM that is professionally programmed using the data from your original module. This “cloning” process ensures that the replacement unit is a perfect digital match for your car.
Here’s how it works:
- Purchase this service: Complete your order and we will contact you with shipping instructions.
- Ship us your original BCM: Carefully package and send your vehicle’s original Body Control Module to us.
- We transfer the data: Our technicians will extract the essential vehicle-specific data from your module and flash it onto the replacement unit.
- We ship it back: We send you the fully programmed replacement BCM, typically within 1-2 business days of receiving your original.
The result is a true plug-and-play module. No need for a trip to the dealer, no expensive scan tools, and no complicated programming procedures. Simply install the module we send you, and your vehicle’s electronics will be restored to proper working order. This is the most efficient way to fix your 2011 Volt Body Control Module.
Important Post-Installation Information
While our goal is a 100% plug-and-play experience, some vehicle systems may require a simple sync or relearn procedure after the BCM is reinstalled. These are not signs of a faulty part but are standard security and safety handshakes between modules.
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is on after installation, a “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” procedure may be needed. This is a simple command that can be performed with most professional-grade diagnostic tools to sync the BCM with the airbag module.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure correct brake light operation and traction control function.
Please consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician if you are unsure about performing these procedures.
Guaranteed Fitment for Your 2011 Volt Body Control Module and More
This BCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. It is compatible with part numbers: 13579004, 13580198, 13582396, 13583450, 13586856, 13582688, 13586278, 13501737, 13501739, 13577924, 13580773, and 13583451. It fits models such as the Chevrolet Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Camaro, Orlando, Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Cadillac SRX, and GMC Terrain from approximately 2011 to 2013. Please verify your part number to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
You purchase this service and ship your original BCM to us. We use specialized equipment to read the unique programming, security keys, and VIN data from your module and write it directly onto the replacement unit we provide. This makes the new module an exact digital copy of your old one.
Why is this better than buying a used BCM from a junkyard?
A used BCM from another vehicle is locked to that vehicle’s VIN and options. It will not work in your car without being reprogrammed by a dealer, which is often expensive and sometimes not even possible. Our cloning service bypasses this entire problem, giving you a part that is ready for installation right out of the box.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or unreadable?
In most cases, even if the BCM is failing, we can still retrieve the necessary data. If your module has severe water or fire damage and is unreadable, we will contact you to discuss other options, which may include programming by VIN. Please contact us first if you suspect your module is physically destroyed.
Do I need to do any programming after I install it?
No, the main vehicle programming is already done. As mentioned, some vehicles may require a minor relearn or sync procedure for the airbag or brake pedal position sensor, which can be done with a bi-directional scan tool. However, the core programming that makes the car run and operate is complete.
How long does the whole process take?
Once we receive your original BCM, our service typically takes 1-2 business days. We then ship the programmed replacement module back to you. Total turnaround time will depend on shipping speeds to and from our facility.