Dealing with bizarre electrical issues in your Chevrolet Volt or other GM vehicle? One moment the power locks work, the next they don’t. Maybe your interior lights have a mind of their own, or worse, the car won’t start due to a security system fault. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact frustrations countless times. The culprit is almost always a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central nervous system for your car’s body electronics.
Instead of facing a costly trip to the dealership for diagnostics and programming, we offer a straightforward, reliable solution. This is a replacement BCM featuring our convenient mail-in programming service. You simply send us your original BCM, and we transfer its unique data—including VIN, key information, and specific vehicle options—directly onto this replacement unit. The result? A true plug-and-play module that is ready for installation the moment you receive it back from us. It’s the most efficient way to get your car back to 100% without the dealership hassle.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Erratic Equinox
A customer brought in a 2015 Equinox with a laundry list of complaints: the radio would randomly shut off, the driver’s side window wouldn’t go down, and the remote start had stopped working. They had already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. Diagnostics showed a handful of communication error codes (U-codes) pointing in different directions. This is a classic sign of a failing BCM. Instead of spending hours chasing individual component failures, we identified the BCM as the root cause. A programmed module like this one solved all the issues in one go, saving the customer significant time and money compared to a dealer repair.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These BCM Failure Signs?
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights not working correctly or staying on.
- ✔ The security system light is on, or the vehicle won’t start (anti-theft active).
- ✔ Horn, wipers, or other accessories working intermittently or not at all.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as U0140, B1001, or other communication errors.
- ✔ False warnings on the instrument cluster (e.g., ‘Service Airbag’ or ‘Service StabiliTrak’).
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes for the system to fully discharge.
- ✔ Locate the BCM: On a 2013 Volt, the BCM is located in the right-hand (passenger side) of the engine compartment. For other models, its location can vary (e.g., under the dash, in the kick panel). Consult a service manual if you’re unsure.
- ✔ Remove the Old Module: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Seat your newly programmed BCM in the mounting bracket and secure it. Reconnect all electrical connectors firmly until they click into place.
- ✔ Power Up: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- ✔ Test All Functions: Turn the key to the ‘On’ position and test all body-related functions: lights, locks, windows, radio, wipers, etc., to confirm the repair.
Post-Installation Checks
In most cases, this module is fully plug-and-play. However, on some GM vehicles, a couple of quick sync procedures may be needed after installation:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag light is illuminated after installation, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: Some models may require a brake pedal position sensor relearn to ensure proper brake light and traction control operation.
Verified Fitment for Your General Motors Vehicle
This BCM is a direct replacement for part number 13580697 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your part number and match it to one of the following compatible numbers: 13584695, 13586273, 13580697, 13588447, 13589197, 13589324, 13589325. This part fits models including:
- Chevrolet Cruze: 2013-2016
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2013-2017
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2013
- Chevrolet Orlando: 2013-2014
- Chevrolet Spark: 2014-2015
- 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 mail-in programming 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 perform a data transfer to the replacement module and ship it back to you, typically within one business day. This ensures a 100% correct, plug-and-play installation.
Do I need to get this 2013 Volt BCM programmed by a dealer?
No. The entire point of our service is to handle the programming for you. The module you receive back will be ready to install without any need for expensive dealer tools or software.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. We only need your original module for the data transfer service. You can keep your old, non-functional module.
What happens if my airbag light comes on after installation?
This is uncommon, but if it happens, it means the BCM needs to be synchronized with the airbag module (SDM). A repair shop with a professional-grade scan tool can perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure to resolve this.
Will this fix my car’s specific electrical problem?
This BCM corrects issues directly caused by a faulty module. If your vehicle exhibits multiple, unrelated electrical symptoms like those listed above, a failing BCM is the most likely cause. Proper diagnosis is always recommended.