Tired of Unpredictable Electrical Problems in Your GM Vehicle?
As a technician with over two decades in the bay, I’ve seen it all when it comes to electrical gremlins. One minute your power windows work, the next they don’t. The radio acts possessed, the security light flashes for no reason, or worse, the car won’t start. These aren’t random quirks; they’re classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is the central command center for your car’s comfort and convenience features, and when it goes haywire, it can make your vehicle incredibly frustrating to own. This is especially true for the 2013 Spark BCM and similar GM platforms.
We offer a straightforward, reliable solution. Instead of towing your car to a dealer and facing a massive bill for diagnostics, a new part, and programming, we provide a pre-programmed BCM ready for installation. Our process is simple: you purchase this service, send us your original BCM, and we transfer all the critical vehicle-specific data—like key information and security settings—to a fully tested replacement module. We then ship it back to you, ready to install. It’s the most efficient way to get your car back to normal without the dealership hassle.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Equinox
A customer brought in a 2012 Equinox with a list of bizarre issues: the dome light would stay on, the driver’s side power lock wouldn’t work, and the car would intermittently fail to crank. They had already replaced the battery and checked fuses. After hooking up my scan tool, I saw a slew of communication error codes (U-codes) pointing to the BCM. Instead of a direct failure, the BCM was intermittently dropping offline, causing chaos across the vehicle’s network. This is a common failure mode I’ve seen hundreds of times. By providing a cloned BCM, we restored all functions perfectly, saving the customer hundreds compared to the dealership’s quote.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
If your vehicle is acting up, a faulty Body Control Module could be the culprit. Look out for these common symptoms, which often appear intermittently at first and worsen over time:
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights (headlights, taillights, dome lights) staying on or not turning on.
- ✔ The anti-theft or security system light flashing, preventing the engine from starting.
- ✔ Dashboard gauges behaving erratically or going dead.
- ✔ Communication error codes, such as U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module).
- ✔ The horn honking randomly or the alarm triggering without cause.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your newly programmed BCM is a manageable task for a DIY enthusiast. The location varies slightly by model, but the process is generally similar. For the 2013 Chevy Spark, you’ll find it at the left lower A-pillar.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes to ensure all systems are powered down.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2013 Spark, it’s typically located behind the trim panel in the driver’s side footwell, near the A-pillar. For other models, consult your service manual for the exact location (e.g., behind the dash, in the kick panel).
- 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 BCM: Mount your replacement module securely onto the bracket and reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they click firmly into place.
- Reconnect Power: Re-attach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Post-Install Checks: Start the vehicle and test all body functions—windows, locks, lights, radio, etc. Please see the important notes below regarding potential post-installation procedures.
Important Post-Installation Information
Because your new BCM is an exact clone of your original, most vehicles will not require any additional steps. However, in some cases, certain systems may need to be re-synced:
- Airbag System Sync: If the 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 BCM with the airbag module.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure correct brake light and traction control operation.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This cloning service and replacement BCM is compatible with part number 13583542 and several others. It will fit the following vehicles equipped with a matching part number:
- Buick LaCrosse: 2012 (ID 13580696), 2013
- Buick Regal: 2012
- Buick Verano: 2012
- Cadillac SRX: 2012 (ID 13580696)
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2012-2013, 2014 (Coupe)
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2012
- Chevrolet Spark: 2013
- Chevrolet Volt: 2012
- GMC Terrain: 2012
This service covers part numbers: 13580696, 123589093, 13588446, 13584692, and 13583542.
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 us. Once we receive it, we copy all the essential data to a replacement module and ship it back to you, typically within 1-2 business days.
Do I need to get this programmed by a dealer after I receive it?
No. The module arrives pre-programmed with your vehicle’s specific data. This eliminates the need for any dealer programming, saving you time and money. It’s designed to be a plug-and-play solution.
What if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In most cases, even if the BCM is non-functional, we can still extract the necessary data. If your module is severely damaged (e.g., by fire or water), please contact us before ordering to discuss options.
Is there a core charge for my old BCM?
No, there is no core charge. We only need your original module to perform the data transfer. We will ship your original module back to you along with the newly programmed replacement.
Will this fix my specific problem?
This BCM replacement corrects issues directly caused by a faulty module. While the symptoms listed are common, proper vehicle diagnosis is always recommended to ensure you are replacing the correct part.