Tired of Bizarre Electrical Problems in Your Chevy Trax?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. Your 2013-2014 Chevy Trax starts acting possessed: the radio turns on and off by itself, the power windows have a mind of their own, the security light flashes for no reason, or worse, the vehicle won’t start at all. These aren’t random glitches; they’re classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central nervous system for your vehicle’s electronics, and when it fails, it creates chaos. Don’t waste time and money chasing individual symptoms. This service provides a reliable, permanent fix.
How Our Simple Cloning Service Works
Forget expensive dealership visits and the hassle of programming a new module. Our service is designed to be the most straightforward solution available. Here’s the process: you purchase this service, and we’ll provide instructions for shipping your original BCM to our facility. Once we receive it, my team of experts will transfer all the critical data—including your vehicle’s VIN, security information, and specific options—to this fully tested replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you. The result is a true plug-and-play part, perfectly matched to your Trax, eliminating the need for any on-vehicle programming.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Drain
A customer brought in a 2014 Trax with a battery that would die overnight. They had already replaced the battery and alternator. We performed a parasitic draw test and found a significant current pull. After pulling fuses one by one, we isolated the circuit to the BCM. Even with the key off, the BCM was keeping multiple circuits ‘awake,’ causing the drain. Instead of a costly new module and programming from the dealer, we provided a cloned BCM. The customer installed it in their driveway, the parasitic draw was gone, and the problem was solved for a fraction of the cost. This is a common failure I’ve diagnosed dozens of times on these GM platforms.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty BCM is the likely culprit. A failing module can also trigger various communication error codes, such as U0140, U0155, or U0100.
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional interior/exterior lights
- ✔ Power windows, locks, or mirrors working intermittently or not at all
- ✔ Horn honking randomly or not working
- ✔ Instrument cluster gauges behaving erratically or going dark
- ✔ Security system issues, including anti-theft light staying on
- ✔ Intermittent no-start or no-crank conditions
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain when the vehicle is off
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Once you receive your pre-programmed BCM from us, installation is simple. On the 2013-2014 Trax, the BCM is located on the left (driver’s) side of the dash.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronics.
- Locate the BCM: Access the BCM, typically located on the driver’s side, behind the lower dash panel or kick panel.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully disconnect the electrical connectors from your old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, remove any mounting bolts or clips holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: 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 Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Final Checks: Start the vehicle and test all functions controlled by the BCM—lights, windows, locks, radio, etc.—to confirm the repair is successful.
Important Post-Installation Notes
In some cases, additional vehicle-specific relearn procedures may be required after installation. These are simple procedures for a professional scan tool.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed to sync the systems. This is only required if the light is on.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: Some models may require a brake pedal position sensor recalibration to ensure correct brake light and traction control operation.
Disclaimer: Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for procedures specific to your vehicle.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM is a direct fit for modules with part numbers 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, or 13589325 and fits the following models:
- 2013-2014 Chevrolet Trax (LH side of dash)
- 2013-2017 Chevrolet Equinox (LH side dash)
- 2013-2017 GMC Terrain (LH side dash)
- 2013-2016 Chevrolet Cruze (LH kick panel)
- 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (LH kick panel)
- 2013-2017 Buick Verano (Below center of dash)
- 2013-2014 Buick Encore (LH side of dash)
- 2013 Buick Regal (LH dash)
- 2013 Cadillac SRX (LH dash)
- 2013-2014 Chevrolet Orlando (Below center console)
- 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark (Gasoline model, left lower a-pillar)
- 2013 Chevrolet Volt (RH engine compartment, check ID)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the mail-in cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will contact you with simple instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, we transfer its data to the replacement module and ship it back to you, usually within 1-2 business days.
Is this BCM truly plug-and-play?
Yes. Because we clone the data from your original module, the replacement BCM will be pre-configured for your vehicle’s specific VIN and options, eliminating the need for expensive dealer programming.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In most cases, even if the BCM has failed, we can still extract the necessary data. If your module has severe water or fire damage, please contact us before ordering to discuss options.
Do I need to send my keys with the module?
No, you do not need to send your keys. All the necessary security information is stored within the BCM itself, which we will transfer during the cloning process.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. We only need your original module to perform the programming service. You do not need to return it afterward unless you arrange for a separate repair service.