Restore Your Car’s Electrical System with a Plug-and-Play Solution
Are you dealing with baffling electrical problems in your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu or another compatible GM vehicle? Flickering lights, unresponsive power windows, a security system that acts up, or even a car that refuses to start can all point to one culprit: a failing Body Control Module (BCM). As the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, a faulty BCM can create a cascade of frustrating and unpredictable issues. In my 20+ years in automotive diagnostics, I’ve seen how a bad BCM can make a perfectly good car feel unreliable. But the fix doesn’t have to involve expensive dealership visits and programming fees.
We offer a straightforward and reliable solution. This listing is for a replacement BCM that is professionally programmed using the data from your original module. This cloning process ensures a seamless, plug-and-play installation. Simply send us your factory BCM, and our expert technicians will transfer all the critical vehicle-specific information—like the VIN and security keys—to this replacement unit. We then ship the ready-to-install module back to you, eliminating the need for any further programming. It’s the most efficient way to get your car back to 100% functionality.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Malibu with a Mind of Its Own
A customer brought in a 2013 Malibu with a list of complaints that sounded like the car was haunted. The dome light would stay on, the driver’s power window worked intermittently, and the radio would sometimes shut off for no reason. They had already replaced the battery and checked fuses. After hooking up the scan tool, I found a series of ‘Lost Communication’ codes, all pointing to the BCM. Instead of a costly new module and hours of programming at the dealer, we used a cloned BCM. The customer shipped us their old one, we transferred the data, and sent the replacement back. The installation took them 20 minutes in their driveway, and every single electrical gremlin was gone. It’s a prime example of how the right part, correctly prepared, saves time, money, and headaches.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If your vehicle is experiencing any of the following, a faulty 2013 Malibu Body Control Module could be the cause. A failing BCM often won’t store specific fault codes for itself, but will instead cause communication errors with other modules.
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors not working or behaving erratically.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on at all.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security system light is illuminated, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Wipers or the horn activating randomly.
- ✔ Multiple communication error codes, such as U0140, U0155, or U0164, stored in other modules.
- ✔ Rapid battery drain while the vehicle is off.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Once you receive your programmed module from us, installation is simple. For the 2013 Malibu, the BCM is typically located behind the driver’s side kick panel.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes for the system to discharge.
- Locate the BCM: Remove the driver-side kick panel (the plastic trim near your left foot) to access the Body Control Module.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and securely reconnect all electrical connectors.
- Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Final Checks: Start the vehicle and test all body functions (lights, locks, windows, etc.). Note the post-installation procedures below, as some may be required.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our programming handles the critical data, some vehicle systems may need to be re-synced after the new BCM is installed.
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on 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. This is only necessary if the light appears.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn may be required to ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly.
Disclaimer: Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any step. Specific procedures can vary slightly by vehicle model and options.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This BCM is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles and is compatible with the following part numbers: 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, 13589325. Please verify your part number before ordering. This module fits:
- Buick Encore: 2013-2014 (LH side of dash)
- Buick Regal: 2013 (LH dash)
- Buick Verano: 2013-2017 (below center of dash)
- Cadillac SRX: 2013 (LH dash)
- Chevrolet Cruze: 2013 (LH kick panel, w/o opt ATH), 2014-2015 (LH kick panel), 2016 (LH kick panel, VIN P – Limited)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2013-2017 (LH side dash)
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2013 (LH kick panel)
- Chevrolet Orlando: 2013-2014 (below center console)
- Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2015 (left lower a-pillar, gasoline model)
- Chevrolet Trax: 2013-2014 (LH side of dash)
- Chevrolet Volt: 2013 (RH engine compartment, ID 13580697 or 13586273)
- GMC Terrain: 2013-2017 (LH side dash)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloning service work?
After you place your order, we will provide you with instructions to ship your original BCM to us. Our technicians then extract the unique data and program it onto the replacement module. We ship the ready-to-install part back to you, typically within 1-2 business days of receiving your original.
Do I need to get this programmed by a dealer?
No. The main benefit of our service is that the module arrives pre-programmed and ready for installation. This saves you from having to tow your vehicle to a dealership and pay for expensive programming services.
Is this a guaranteed fix for my 2013 Malibu Body Control Module issues?
This part will resolve issues directly caused by a faulty BCM. If you’ve diagnosed the BCM as the problem, this is your solution. It’s crucial to ensure a proper diagnosis has been performed, as other issues can sometimes mimic BCM failure.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In many cases, even if the BCM is failing, we can still extract the necessary data for cloning. Please contact us with the specifics of your module’s condition if you have concerns.
Do I need to send back my old part after installation?
No, there is no core charge for this item. You send us your original BCM for the programming service, but you do not need to return it after receiving the replacement.