Tired of Your Car’s Electrical Gremlins? Get a Reliable Fix.
Are you dealing with a vehicle that seems to have a mind of its own? Power windows that won’t roll down, interior lights flickering, or a security system that randomly prevents your car from starting? As a technician with over 20 years in the bay, I’ve seen these frustrating, seemingly unrelated issues countless times. More often than not, the culprit is a failing Body Control Module (BCM)—the central nervous system for your vehicle’s electronics.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, hassle-free solution. We provide a fully functional BCM, part number 13580696, that is meticulously programmed by cloning the data from your original module. This process ensures all your vehicle’s specific settings and security information are perfectly transferred, making the installation a true plug-and-play experience. You get to skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming and get your 2012 Terrain BCM fixed right, the first time.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Phantom Power Drain
A customer brought in a 2012 Equinox (which uses the same BCM as the Terrain) with a battery that would die overnight. They had already replaced the battery and the alternator, but the problem persisted. After hooking up my multimeter to check for a parasitic draw, I found a significant one. By pulling fuses one by one, I isolated the draw to a circuit controlled by the BCM. The module wasn’t letting certain accessories fully power down after the key was off. A new, properly programmed 2012 Terrain BCM solved the mystery drain, saving the customer from further expensive guesswork.
Common Signs Your GM Body Control Module is Failing
A faulty BCM can cause a wide array of confusing symptoms. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need:
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and mirrors.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on or not turning on.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security light is illuminated, causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., “Service Airbag,” “Service StabiliTrak”).
- ✔ Communication issues with diagnostic scan tools, often showing U-codes like U0140.
Your Step-by-Step BCM Installation Guide
Our cloning service makes this repair straightforward for a DIYer or a professional mechanic. Here’s a general guide to the process:
- Purchase & Ship: After you place your order, we will contact you with simple instructions to ship your original BCM to our facility. Please ensure your contact information is accurate.
- Programming Service: Once we receive your module, our experts will clone all necessary data to the replacement BCM. We then ship the ready-to-install module back to you with tracking.
- Safety First: Before installation, always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts.
- Locate and Replace: The BCM in a 2012 Terrain is typically found on the left (driver’s) side of the dash. Carefully unplug the electrical connectors and remove the mounting hardware. Install the new module in its place and reconnect everything securely.
- Reconnect & Test: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, windows, locks, etc.—to confirm the repair.
- Post-Install Checks: In some cases, additional steps like an Airbag System Sync or a Brake Pedal Position Relearn may be needed. This is often indicated by a warning light. These procedures require a professional-grade scan tool.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always consult a factory service manual for instructions specific to your vehicle’s make and model.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for several GM vehicles and part numbers. Please verify that your vehicle and original part number are listed below. This module is compatible with part numbers 13580696, 123589093, 13588446, 13584692, and 13583542.
- Buick LaCrosse: 2012 (LH kick panel, ID 13580696), 2013 (LH kick panel)
- Buick Regal: 2012 (LH dash)
- Buick Verano: 2012 (below center of dash)
- Cadillac SRX: 2012 (LH dash, ID 13580696)
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2012-2013 (RH dash), 2014 (RH dash, Cpe)
- 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 programming service work?
After your purchase, we’ll email you a shipping label and instructions to send us your original BCM. Once we receive it, we transfer the vehicle-specific data to the replacement unit and ship it back to you the same day, ready for installation. This makes it plug-and-play.
Do I need to send my original BCM? Is there a core charge?
Yes, you must send us your original module for the data cloning service. However, there is absolutely no core charge, and you can keep your original module after we are done with it if you request it.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This module corrects issues directly caused by a failing BCM, such as problems with lights, locks, windows, and security systems. While it solves the most common electrical faults, we always recommend a proper diagnosis to confirm the BCM is the root cause.
What is an Airbag System Sync?
If the airbag light is on after installation, it means the new BCM needs to be synced with the airbag’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). This is a simple procedure called ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ that requires a professional scan tool to complete.
Is this difficult to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills, the physical swap is straightforward. The main challenge is accessing the module’s location. Since our service handles all the programming, you won’t need any special computers, making it a very manageable DIY project.