Tired of Unpredictable Electrical Problems in Your GM Vehicle?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. One minute the radio works, the next it doesn’t. The power windows have a mind of their own, the security light flashes for no reason, or worse, you’re dealing with a parasitic battery drain that leaves you stranded. These frustrating, ghost-in-the-machine issues often point to one culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it starts to fail, it can create chaos. Dealerships will quote you a fortune for a new module plus mandatory, expensive programming. We offer a smarter, more affordable solution.
This is a comprehensive cloning service for your 2012-2014 GM BCM. You simply send us your original module, and we transfer all of its critical data—including VIN, mileage, and key programming—to a fully tested, replacement unit. We then ship the ready-to-install module back to you. This process makes the replacement 100% plug-and-play, eliminating the need for a trip to the dealer and saving you hundreds of dollars in programming fees.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2012 Chevy Equinox with a classic BCM failure story. The interior lights would flicker, the horn would honk randomly when parked, and the battery was dead every morning. They had already replaced the battery twice. A scan showed multiple U-codes (loss of communication) with various other modules. Instead of just replacing parts, we confirmed the BCM was the source of the parasitic draw. By providing them with our cloning service, they were able to swap the module themselves in under an hour. The strange electrical issues vanished, and the battery drain was gone. It’s a textbook example of how a properly programmed BCM can solve a host of problems at once.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If your vehicle is exhibiting any of these symptoms, a faulty BCM could be the cause. In my shop, these are the most frequent complaints we trace back to this module:
- ✔ Intermittent or non-working power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ Horn or alarm sounding unexpectedly.
- ✔ Wipers turning on by themselves or not working at all.
- ✔ Instrument cluster gauges behaving erratically or going dark.
- ✔ Security or anti-theft system light is on, preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Communication error codes (U-codes) when scanned with a diagnostic tool.
- ✔ Unexplained parasitic battery drain that kills the battery overnight.
Your Straightforward BCM Swap Guide
Installing your newly programmed BCM is a direct swap. While the location varies slightly by model, the process is generally the same. No complex programming tools are required.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On most of these GM models, the BCM is located inside the cabin, often behind the driver’s or passenger’s side kick panel or under the dash. A quick search for your specific model will confirm its location.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be pressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, programmed BCM in the same position as the old one. Securely reconnect all electrical harnesses. You’ll hear a click when they are properly seated.
- Power Up: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and verify that your lights, locks, windows, and other accessories are functioning correctly.
Important Post-Installation Information
Our cloning service makes this as close to plug-and-play as possible. However, in some GM vehicles, additional synchronization steps may be needed after installation. This is normal and is related to how different security modules communicate.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the airbag system with the new BCM and is only required if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure brake lights and traction control work as intended.
Disclaimer: Specific procedures can vary by vehicle. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for guidance.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This service is guaranteed to work for the following vehicles and part numbers. This module fits multiple applications and is a direct replacement for part numbers 13580696, 123589093, 13588446, 13584692, and 13583542.
- Buick LaCrosse: 2012-2013 (LH kick panel, ID 13580696)
- Buick Regal: 2012 (LH dash)
- Buick Verano: 2012 (below center of dash)
- Cadillac SRX: 2012 (LH dash, ID 13580696)
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2012-2014 (RH dash)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2012 (LH side dash)
- Chevrolet Spark: 2013 (left lower a-pillar)
- Chevrolet Volt: 2012 (RH engine compartment)
- GMC Terrain: 2012 (LH side dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we’ll provide instructions for shipping your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the unique programming and transfer it to a replacement module. We then ship the fully programmed, ready-to-install module back to you.
How long does the process take?
We pride ourselves on a fast turnaround. The cloning service is typically completed and shipped back out within 1-2 business days of us receiving your original module.
Do I need to do any additional programming myself?
No, the module will arrive fully programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. The goal of our service is to eliminate the need for expensive dealer programming. In some cases, a simple relearn procedure as outlined above may be needed, but this does not require dealer-level software.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or water damaged?
In many cases, even with significant damage, we can still retrieve the necessary data. Please contact us before ordering if your module is severely damaged so we can discuss the options and likelihood of a successful data transfer.
Is there a core charge?
No, there is no core charge. You are not required to return your original module to us after you receive the replacement, though we do need it initially for the data cloning.