Are you chasing down frustrating electrical gremlins in your Cadillac or Chevrolet? One minute the power windows work, the next they don’t. The security light is flashing, or the interior lights have a mind of their own. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact issues hundreds of times, and they often point to one component: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing problems.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, hassle-free solution. We provide a fully tested BCM that is professionally programmed with the data from your vehicle’s original module. This cloning service means you can skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. You send us your original BCM, we transfer all the critical vehicle-specific information to this replacement unit, and we ship it right back to you, ready for a simple, plug-and-play installation. It’s the most reliable and cost-effective way to get your car back to normal.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Phantom Drain
A 2013 Cadillac XTS came into the bay with a classic, infuriating problem: a dead battery every morning. The owner had already replaced the battery and alternator, but the parasitic drain persisted. Standard tests were inconclusive. After isolating circuits, I noticed erratic behavior from the interior lighting and remote keyless entry system. A deep scan showed intermittent communication loss codes (U0140) with the BCM. On these models, water intrusion near the A-pillar can seep into the BCM connector, causing micro-shorts that slowly drain the battery without tripping major fault codes. By swapping in a known-good, cloned BCM, the parasitic draw vanished. It’s a perfect example of how a failing 2013 ATS BCM can cause issues that seem unrelated at first glance.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security system light stays on or flashes, potentially causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working at all.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights appearing randomly.
- ✔ Communication failure codes, such as U0140, U0155, or other U-codes, stored in other modules.
- ✔ Wipers activating on their own or not responding to the switch.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate Your BCM: Find the original BCM. Its location varies by model (see our fitment list below for common spots).
- ✔ Remove the Original: Carefully disconnect all electrical connectors from the module. Then, unbolt it from its mounting bracket. Take photos if it helps you remember the connector positions.
- ✔ Ship Us Your Module: After purchase, we will provide instructions for shipping your original BCM to our facility. Please package it securely.
- ✔ Install the Replacement: Once you receive the programmed module back from us, simply mount it in place and reconnect all the electrical connectors. Reconnect the vehicle’s battery.
- ✔ Final Checks: Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, locks, windows, etc. Note the post-installation procedures below, as some vehicles may require a quick relearn process.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our programming makes this a true plug-and-play solution for most vehicles, some systems may require a final handshake to sync properly. This is normal behavior.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a simple ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure is needed. This requires a professional-grade scan tool and syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On certain models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be required to ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly.
- No Core Required: You can keep your old, original module. There is no core charge for this part.
Disclaimer: Always refer to a factory service manual for your specific vehicle for detailed instructions and torque specs.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct-fit replacement for part numbers 13586589, 13589093, and 13580689. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles and configurations:
- 2013 Cadillac ATS (Body Control Module located on the firewall)
- 2013 Cadillac XTS (Body Control Module located on the left front hinge pillar)
- 2013-2014 Chevrolet Sonic (Body Control Module located in the RH rear quarter panel)
- 2014 Chevrolet Impala (New Style, VIN 1 – 4th digit; Body Control Module located in the LH dash)
Purchasing a pre-programmed 2013 ATS BCM from us is the smartest way to solve your vehicle’s electrical issues without the excessive cost and downtime of a dealership visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the programming service work?
After you place your order, we will contact you with instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the unique, vehicle-specific data and flash it onto the replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install module back to you.
Is this really plug-and-play?
Yes. Because we clone the data from your original module, the replacement BCM is recognized by your vehicle’s other computers, eliminating the need for expensive programming with dealership tools. In some rare cases, a minor relearn procedure might be needed as noted in our description.
How long does the whole process take?
We typically program and ship your replacement module within 24-48 hours of receiving your original BCM. The total time will depend on shipping transit times to and from our facility. We will send you a tracking number as soon as it ships.
What if my original BCM is too damaged to be read?
In most cases, even with internal faults, we can still retrieve the necessary data. If your module has suffered extreme physical or water damage that prevents data recovery, we will contact you immediately to discuss options, including a full refund.
Do I need to return my old BCM after installation?
No, there is no core charge for this item. You can keep your original module after you’ve installed the replacement.