Is Your Chevy Malibu Experiencing Strange Electrical Problems?
If your 2014-2016 Chevrolet Malibu, or another compatible GM vehicle, is suffering from a host of baffling electrical issues, a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is the most likely culprit. The BCM acts as the central command center for your vehicle’s body electronics, managing everything from power windows and locks to interior lighting, security systems, and communication between other modules. When it starts to fail, it can create a cascade of problems that are often misdiagnosed, leading to costly and unnecessary repairs.
The Simple, Plug-and-Play Solution
Forget expensive trips to the dealership for diagnostics and programming. We offer a straightforward and reliable solution: a replacement BCM programmed with your vehicle’s exact data. This is accomplished through a professional cloning service. You simply send us your original BCM, and we transfer all the critical information—including VIN, mileage, and key data—to a replacement unit. The module you receive back will be 100% plug-and-play, requiring no additional programming or calibration. It’s the fastest and most cost-effective way to restore your vehicle’s full functionality.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a customer with a 2015 Malibu who was at their wit’s end. Their car would randomly refuse to start, the radio would turn on and off by itself, and they had a persistent parasitic battery drain that killed three new batteries. They had already replaced the alternator and battery cables with no success. After a quick consultation, we suspected the BCM. Once we received their original module and performed our cloning service, they installed the replacement unit in under 30 minutes. All the bizarre electrical gremlins vanished instantly, and the car has been starting reliably ever since. It’s a classic case of a failing BCM mimicking other component failures.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 2014-2016 Malibu BCM
- ✔ Intermittent or non-functional power windows, door locks, or mirrors.
- ✔ Erratic behavior from dashboard lights, gauges, or the driver information center.
- ✔ Malfunctioning interior or exterior lights (e.g., dome lights staying on, turn signals not working).
- ✔ The security system engaging randomly or preventing the car from starting (anti-theft light on).
- ✔ Unexplained battery drain that kills the battery overnight.
- ✔ Communication errors with other modules, leading to warning lights like ABS or Traction Control.
- ✔ Remote keyless entry (fob) not working correctly.
How Our BCM Cloning Service Works
- ✔ Place Your Order: Add this item to your cart and complete the checkout process. Ensure your contact information is accurate.
- ✔ We Contact You: Our team will reach out with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to remove and ship your original BCM to our facility.
- ✔ We Program Your Replacement: Upon receiving your original module, our technicians will meticulously transfer all its data to the replacement BCM.
- ✔ Receive Your Ready-to-Install Part: We ship the fully programmed BCM back to you, typically within 1-2 business days. You’ll receive tracking information so you know exactly when it will arrive.
Post-Installation Procedures
While our goal is a seamless plug-and-play experience, some vehicle systems may require a simple sync procedure after installation. Please be aware of the following:
- Airbag System Sync: If the airbag warning light is illuminated after installation, a procedure called “Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM” must be performed using a professional-grade scan tool. This syncs the new BCM with the airbag system.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On some models, a brake pedal position sensor recalibration might be necessary to ensure correct operation of the brake lights and traction control system.
Always consult a factory service manual or a qualified technician for vehicle-specific guidance.
Guaranteed Fitment
This module is a direct replacement for part number 13590851 and is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Volt, Camaro, Spark, Buick LaCrosse, Regal, and Cadillac SRX and ELR. Please verify your part number and check the fitment list to ensure compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BCM cloning service?
Cloning is the process of reading the essential data (like VIN, key codes, and vehicle options) from your original BCM and writing it onto a replacement module. This makes the replacement unit an exact digital copy, allowing it to work in your car without any dealer programming.
Why is this better than buying a used BCM from a junkyard?
A standard used BCM from another vehicle will not work in your car because it contains the wrong VIN and security information. It would require expensive and complex programming by a dealer, which is often not possible. Our cloning service bypasses this entirely, giving you a true plug-and-play part.
How long does the entire process take?
Once we receive your original module, our service typically takes 1-2 business days. The total time will depend on shipping times to and from our facility.
Will my existing keys work with the new module?
Yes! Because we clone all the data from your original unit, the replacement BCM will recognize your existing keys just like the old one did. No key relearn procedure is necessary.
What if my original BCM is water damaged or won’t communicate?
In many cases, even if the BCM is severely damaged, we can still recover the necessary data from the memory chip. Please contact us before ordering if your module has significant physical or water damage so we can assess the likelihood of a successful data recovery.