Tired of Chasing Electrical Gremlins? Your Solution is Here.
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. A customer comes in with a car that seems possessed—windows opening on their own, the radio acting up, intermittent no-start conditions, or a dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. The culprit is often the Body Control Module (BCM), the central nervous system for your vehicle’s comfort and convenience features. When it fails, it can cause a cascade of confusing and frustrating problems. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can affect vehicle security and drivability.
Instead of facing a costly trip to the dealership for a new module and expensive programming fees, we offer a simple, reliable, and affordable solution. This is a replacement Body Control Module for your GM vehicle, and the purchase includes our professional programming service. We transfer the critical data from your original BCM to this replacement unit. This ensures that your vehicle’s VIN, mileage, security information, and specific options are perfectly preserved. The result? A true plug-and-play module that restores full functionality without the dealership hassle.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Case of the Haunted Malibu
A 2015 Malibu came into my bay with a bizarre complaint: the key fob would randomly stop working, and sometimes the security light would flash, preventing the car from starting. The owner had already replaced the fob battery twice. After running diagnostics, I found no communication codes with the BCM. However, by wiggling the main connector at the BCM (located in the driver’s kick panel), I could replicate the issue. This pointed to an internal failure on the BCM’s circuit board—a common issue from heat cycles and vibration. Instead of a new, un-programmed unit, we used our cloning service. The customer sent us their faulty BCM, we transferred the data, and sent back a ready-to-install module. The car was back to normal in a couple of days for a fraction of the dealer’s quote.
Common Signs of a Failing BCM
- ✔ Erratic or non-functional power windows, door locks, and interior/exterior lights.
- ✔ Key fob not being recognized or working intermittently.
- ✔ Vehicle’s anti-theft or security system engaging unexpectedly, causing a no-start condition.
- ✔ Unrelated warning lights appearing on the instrument cluster (e.g., ABS, Airbag, Traction Control).
- ✔ Communication loss fault codes, such as U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module).
- ✔ Problems with the HVAC (heating and air conditioning) controls.
Your Straightforward BCM Installation Guide
Our programming service makes the physical installation simple. Here’s a general guide to get you started:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before working on any electronic components.
- Locate the BCM: The location varies by model (see fitment list below). Common spots include the driver’s or passenger’s side kick panel, behind the dash, or in the engine compartment.
- Remove Trim Panels: Carefully remove any plastic trim or kick panels necessary to access the BCM.
- Disconnect and Remove: Unplug the electrical connectors from the old BCM. They have locking tabs that need to be depressed. Then, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in the same location and reconnect all electrical connectors securely.
- Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and test all body functions—lights, locks, windows, radio, etc.—to confirm the repair.
Important Post-Installation Note: In some cases, additional relearn procedures may be necessary. If the airbag light is on, a professional scan tool is needed to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure. Similarly, a ‘Brake Pedal Position Relearn’ might be required. These are vehicle-specific and not always needed.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for part number 13589115 and is interchangeable with the following part numbers: 13580698, 13578458, 13589637, 13590173, 13590851, 13591300, 13592376, 13593775, 13593776, and 13594564.
It is confirmed to fit the following vehicles:
- Buick LaCrosse: 2014-2016
- Buick Regal: 2014-2017
- Cadillac ELR: 2014-2016
- Cadillac SRX: 2014-2016
- Chevrolet Camaro: 2014-2015
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2014-2015, 2016 (Limited)
- Chevrolet Spark EV: 2014-2016
- Chevrolet Volt: 2014-2015
Always verify the part number on your original module to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 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 extract the unique data and transfer it to the replacement module. We then ship the ready-to-install BCM back to you, typically within 1-2 business days.
Is this truly plug-and-play?
Yes, for over 95% of installations. Because we clone your original data, the vehicle recognizes the new module as its own, eliminating the need for dealership programming. In rare cases, a minor relearn procedure like for the brake pedal sensor may be needed.
Do I need to send my keys?
No. Since we are transferring the data directly from your old module, all of your existing key fob information will be carried over to the new BCM. Your current keys will work just as they did before.
What happens if my original BCM is completely dead or not communicating?
In many cases, even if the module is failing, we can still extract the necessary data. If you suspect your module is completely non-functional, please contact us before ordering so we can discuss the situation and potential for data recovery.
Is there a core charge?
No, there is no core charge for this service. You are not required to send your old module back to us after installation, but we do need it initially for the programming service.
What if the airbag light comes on after I install it?
This can happen occasionally. It means the new BCM needs to be synced with the airbag system’s Supplemental Deployment Module (SDM). This requires a professional scan tool to perform the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ function, a quick procedure for any qualified shop.