Tired of Unpredictable Electrical Problems in Your Malibu?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. Your 2013 Malibu’s lights are flickering, the power windows have a mind of their own, or worse, you’re getting strange warning messages on the dash. These aren’t random glitches; they’re classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your car’s body electronics, and when it starts to fail, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated issues. The thought of a dealership visit, with its high diagnostic fees and expensive programming costs, is enough to give any car owner a headache.
We offer a straightforward, reliable solution. This is a replacement BCM that comes fully programmed using the data from your vehicle’s original module. Our mail-in cloning service makes this the most convenient fix available. You simply send us your original BCM, we transfer all the critical vehicle-specific data to this replacement unit, and ship it back to you ready for installation. This process ensures a seamless, plug-and-play experience, restoring your car’s functions without the need for a trip to the dealer or expensive scan tools for programming.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2013 Malibu with a complaint that felt like a ghost story. The radio would turn on and off, the interior dome light would stay on, and the remote key fob worked only intermittently. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my diagnostic scanner, I saw multiple ‘U’ codes, specifically a U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module). This pointed directly to the BCM. Instead of a costly new module and hours of programming at the dealer, we used a cloned unit. The entire process was done in a day, and the car’s electrical gremlins were gone for good. This is the power of a properly programmed replacement.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, a faulty BCM could be the culprit. A failing 2013 Malibu BCM often creates issues that seem disconnected.
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working at all.
- ✔ The security system acting up, preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ False warning lights on the instrument cluster (e.g., ‘Service Stabilitrak’).
- ✔ Intermittent operation of the radio or climate controls.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication errors, such as U0140, U0155, or B1001.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your programmed BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. The BCM on the 2013 Malibu is typically located in the driver’s side kick panel area.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery and wait a few minutes before starting work.
- Access the Module: Remove the driver’s side kick panel (the plastic trim piece by your left foot) to expose the BCM and its wiring harnesses.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug all electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New BCM: Mount the replacement module in the same location and securely reconnect all wiring harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock into place.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final System Checks: Start the vehicle and test all functions controlled by the BCM: lights, windows, locks, wipers, etc. Note the post-installation procedures below, as some relearns may be necessary.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our cloning service makes this a plug-and-play part, some vehicle systems may require a ‘handshake’ with the new module. This is normal.
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag light is on after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This is only required if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be needed to ensure proper traction control and brake light operation.
- No Core Charge: You are not required to send your old part back to us after the job is done. Keep your original module.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. Always refer to a factory service manual or consult a qualified professional if you are unsure about any step.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for the following vehicles and part numbers. Please verify your part number is on this list before ordering. This single part, a 2013 Malibu BCM, is designed to work across a wide range of GM platforms.
Part Numbers: 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, 13589325
- ✔ Chevrolet Cruze: 2013 (w/o opt ATH), 2014-2015, 2016 (Limited)
- ✔ Chevrolet Equinox: 2013-2017
- ✔ Chevrolet Malibu: 2013
- ✔ Chevrolet Orlando: 2013-2014
- ✔ Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2015 (gasoline)
- ✔ Chevrolet Trax: 2013-2014
- ✔ Chevrolet Volt: 2013
- ✔ Buick Encore: 2013-2014
- ✔ Buick Regal: 2013
- ✔ Buick Verano: 2013-2017
- ✔ Cadillac SRX: 2013
- ✔ GMC Terrain: 2013-2017
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will contact you with instructions to ship your original BCM to our facility. Once we receive it, our technicians will extract the unique programming and immobilizer data and flash it onto the replacement module. We then ship the newly programmed module back to you, ready for installation.
Is this truly plug-and-play?
Yes, for over 95% of installations. Because we clone your original data, the replacement BCM is recognized by your car’s other modules, eliminating the need for dealer programming. In some rare cases, a simple relearn procedure like for the brake pedal sensor might be needed, as noted in the description.
What is the turnaround time?
We typically program and ship your replacement module within 1-2 business days of receiving your original BCM. We will send you a tracking number as soon as it’s on its way back to you.
Do I need to send my key fob?
No, you do not need to send your keys or key fobs. All the necessary security information is stored within the BCM itself, which is what we transfer during the cloning process.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In many cases, even if the BCM is failing, the core data on the memory chip is still readable. If we encounter an issue where the data cannot be extracted, we will contact you immediately to discuss options. We are successful in over 99% of cases.