Restore Your Vehicle’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
If you’re dealing with the frustrating and unpredictable electrical gremlins in your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu or another compatible GM vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing Body Control Module (BCM) can turn a reliable car into a source of constant headaches. From power windows that won’t cooperate to a car that refuses to start, the BCM is the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it fails, chaos ensues. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a critical safety issue.
Instead of facing a massive bill and scheduling hassles at the dealership for a new, unprogrammed module, our professional cloning service offers a direct, cost-effective fix. We take the vital data from your original BCM—including security keys, VIN, and specific options—and transfer it directly to this fully tested replacement unit. The result? A module that is 100% plug-and-play for your vehicle. No additional programming, no security relearns, no dealership visits required for the initial setup.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Haunted Malibu
A customer brought in a 2013 Malibu with a list of bizarre symptoms: the radio would turn on and off by itself, the interior lights would flicker, and occasionally, the car wouldn’t recognize the key fob. They had already replaced the battery and checked the alternator. In my shop, I’ve diagnosed hundreds of these GM BCM failures. After hooking up my scanner, I saw multiple U-codes (U0140, U0155) indicating a loss of communication between the BCM and other modules. This is a classic sign of internal BCM failure. Instead of a complex rewiring job, we performed a BCM clone. The customer sent us their faulty module, we transferred the data, and sent back the plug-and-play replacement. The electrical ghosts were gone, and the car was back to normal—a simple swap that saved them over $700 compared to the dealership quote.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, this module is the likely solution for your 2013 Malibu BCM issues:
- ✔ Erratic power windows, door locks, or interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ The security or anti-theft light stays on, preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Instrument cluster gauges behaving abnormally or not working at all.
- ✔ Key fob not being recognized or intermittent remote start failure.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to communication loss, such as U0100, U0140, or other U-series codes.
- ✔ Wipers or turn signals activating on their own or not working when commanded.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Our cloning service handles the complicated programming. The physical installation is something a confident DIYer can often handle in their own garage. For the 2013 Malibu, the BCM is typically located behind the driver’s side kick panel.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2013 Malibu, remove the driver’s side kick panel (the plastic trim piece near your left foot) to access the module.
- Disconnect Connectors: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and pull them straight out from the module. Do not force them.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt or unclip the original BCM from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely re-attach all electrical connectors.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Your vehicle is now ready to start with its new BCM.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our cloning makes this a plug-and-play process, some vehicle systems may require a ‘handshake’ with the new BCM. Please be aware of the following potential procedures:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the airbag system with the new BCM and is only required if the light is on.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration may be needed to ensure proper brake light and traction control operation.
Disclaimer: Specific procedures can vary. Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for guidance.
Guaranteed Vehicle Compatibility
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for several part numbers, including 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, and 13589325. It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- Chevrolet Cruze (2013-2016 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 BCM cloning service work?
It’s simple. 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 data and transfer it to your replacement module. We then ship both your original module and the ready-to-install replacement back to you.
Why is this better than buying a new BCM from a dealer?
Our cloning service saves you significant time and money. A new BCM from the dealer comes blank and requires expensive programming with specialized equipment. Our service bypasses this step entirely, providing a plug-and-play part at a fraction of the cost.
Do I get my original module back?
Yes, absolutely. We always return your original BCM along with the programmed replacement unit. We do not keep your original part.
Will I need a professional scan tool after installation?
In most cases, no. The module is plug-and-play. However, as noted, if the airbag light comes on, a specific sync procedure is required. A brake pedal position relearn may also be necessary on some models. These are simple procedures for any professional shop.
Where is the BCM located on my 2013 Chevy Malibu?
On the 2013 Malibu, the Body Control Module is typically found behind the plastic kick panel in the driver’s side footwell, to the left of the brake pedal.