Is Your Cadillac Experiencing Strange Electrical Problems?
Are you dealing with a vehicle that seems to have a mind of its own? Perhaps the power windows work intermittently, the interior lights flicker, the radio acts up, or you’re seeing random warning lights on your dashboard. These frustrating and unpredictable electrical gremlins are often traced back to a single, critical component: the Body Control Module, or BCM. The BCM is the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, managing everything from your door locks and security system to your lighting and climate control. When it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of confusing and seemingly unrelated issues.
Symptoms of a Failing Body Control Module
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from interior or exterior lights (flickering, staying on, or not turning on).
- ✔ Malfunctions with the radio, climate control, or instrument cluster gauges.
- ✔ The security system engaging randomly or preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ False warning messages appearing on the driver information center.
- ✔ Rapid battery drain while the vehicle is parked.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We recently had a 2013 Cadillac XTS in the shop with a truly baffling set of symptoms. The owner reported that on rainy days, his horn would honk randomly and the windshield wipers wouldn’t turn off. On dry days, everything worked perfectly. After hours of chasing wires and checking grounds, we traced the issue to a failing BCM. A small amount of moisture was seeping past a seal and causing internal shorts in the module, leading to the bizarre behavior. Replacing the BCM with a properly programmed unit solved all the issues instantly, saving the customer from what they thought would be an endless and expensive electrical nightmare.
The Simple Solution: A Plug-and-Play Programmed BCM
In the past, replacing a BCM was a costly and inconvenient process that required a trip to the dealership for expensive programming. Our unique service eliminates that hassle. We provide a replacement BCM that is programmed specifically for your vehicle using the data from your original module. This ‘cloning’ process ensures that the replacement unit is a perfect match, retaining all your vehicle’s specific settings, key information, and operational parameters. The result is a true plug-and-play solution that gets you back on the road without the need for additional programming.
How Our Programming Service Works
- ✔ Place Your Order: Complete your purchase for this BCM. Ensure your contact information is accurate.
- ✔ We Contact You: Our team will reach out to you with simple instructions and a shipping address to send your original BCM to us.
- ✔ Ship Your Original Module: Securely package and ship your existing BCM to our facility.
- ✔ We Program Your Replacement: Upon receiving your module, our technicians will expertly transfer all the necessary data to the replacement unit.
- ✔ We Ship It Back: We ship your new, ready-to-install BCM back to you, typically within 1-2 business days, and provide you with tracking information.
Your Programmed 2013 ATS BCM
This service is the ideal fix for your vehicle. By choosing our pre-programmed 2013 ATS BCM, you are bypassing the dealership and getting a part that is ready for installation right out of the box. This not only saves you significant money on dealership labor and programming fees but also drastically reduces your vehicle’s downtime. We handle the complex technical work so you can focus on the straightforward installation.
Installation and Post-Installation Notes
Installation is typically straightforward, involving disconnecting the battery and swapping the modules. However, on some vehicles, additional steps known as ‘relearn’ or ‘sync’ procedures may be necessary after the new BCM is installed. These are not programming steps but are required to ensure all related vehicle systems communicate correctly.
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a professional scan tool. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system. This is only required if the light is on.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: To ensure proper brake light and traction control function, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration may be needed. This can also be performed with a compatible diagnostic tool.
Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for vehicle-specific instructions.
Fitment and Part Number Information
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for the following vehicles and part numbers. Please verify your part number before ordering.
Compatible Part Numbers: 13586589, 13589093, 13580689
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
- Cadillac ATS 2013: Body Control (BCM); (on firewall)
- Cadillac XTS 2013: Body Control (BCM); (left front hinge pillar)
- Chevrolet SONIC 2013-2014: Body Control (BCM); (RH rear quarter panel)
- Chevrolet IMPALA 2014: Body Control (BCM); VIN 1 (4th digit, New Style), (LH dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ‘cloning’ or ‘programming’ service?
This service involves transferring the vital data—such as VIN, key codes, and vehicle-specific options—from your original BCM to the replacement unit we provide. This makes the new module a perfect electronic match for your car, eliminating the need for dealership programming.
Why do I need to send you my original BCM?
Your original BCM holds the unique software and security information for your specific vehicle. By sending it to us, you enable our technicians to create an exact data copy, ensuring the replacement BCM will work seamlessly upon installation.
How long does the process take?
Once we receive your original module, our programming and processing time is typically 1-2 business days. We then ship the programmed replacement back to you. Total turnaround time will depend on shipping speeds.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or missing?
In cases where the original module is non-communicative or lost, we may still be able to program a replacement using your vehicle’s VIN. Please contact us before ordering to discuss the available options for your situation.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
For someone with moderate mechanical skill, the physical replacement is generally simple. It involves disconnecting the battery and swapping the old module for the new one. However, some vehicles may require post-install procedures like an airbag sync or brake pedal relearn, which require a professional scan tool.
Do I need to return my old BCM after I receive the replacement?
No, there is no core charge for this item. After we have used your original module for the programming service, you can choose to have it sent back to you or we can responsibly dispose of it.