Restore Your Vehicle’s Brain without the Dealership Headache
Are you dealing with baffling electrical issues in your car? Flickering lights, power windows with a mind of their own, or a security system that won’t cooperate? These are classic signs of a failing Body Control Module (BCM), the central computer for your vehicle’s comfort and convenience features. A faulty BCM can turn your daily drive into a frustrating ordeal. Instead of facing a costly bill and programming fees at the dealership, our plug-and-play BCM solution gets you back on the road quickly and affordably.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete service. We perform a specialized data transfer from your original BCM to this replacement unit. This cloning process ensures that all your vehicle’s specific settings, key information, and security data are perfectly preserved. The result is a module that is truly ready for installation right out of the box, eliminating the need for complex and expensive programming tools.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Spark EV That Wouldn’t Cooperate
I remember a 2015 Spark EV that came into the shop with a list of strange symptoms the owner couldn’t pin down. The dome light would stay on, the driver-side window worked intermittently, and the car would sometimes refuse to recognize the key fob. We checked wiring and individual components, but everything seemed fine. On a hunch, we scanned for BCM communication codes and found a U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module). This confirmed our suspicion. The BCM was failing internally, causing a cascade of seemingly unrelated problems. By providing a cloned 2014-2016 Spark BCM, we solved all the issues in one go, saving the customer hundreds compared to the dealership’s quote.
Is Your Vehicle Showing These Symptoms?
A failing BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your Body Control Module is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Power windows, door locks, or mirrors operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights flickering, staying on, or not turning on.
- ✔ The vehicle’s security system acting up or preventing the car from starting.
- ✔ Horn honking unexpectedly or not working when needed.
- ✔ Dashboard warning lights related to various systems illuminating without a clear cause.
- ✔ Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as U0140, B1325, or other communication errors.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Our cloning service makes the physical installation simple. Here’s a general guide to swapping your module:
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the BCM: On the 2014-2016 Spark EV, the BCM is typically found behind the trim panel at the left lower a-pillar (near the driver’s feet). For other models, its location can vary (e.g., LH kick panel, RH dash), so always verify with your service manual.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the module. They have locking tabs that need to be pressed to release. Once disconnected, unbolt or unclip the module from its mounting bracket.
- Ship Your Original Module: After your purchase, we will contact you with instructions for shipping your original BCM to our facility. Please ensure your contact information is correct at checkout.
- Install the Replacement: Once you receive the programmed replacement from us, simply reverse the removal steps. Mount the new module, securely plug in all connectors, and reconnect your battery.
Important Post-Installation Notes
While our goal is a seamless experience, some vehicle systems may require a quick sync after the BCM is replaced. Please be aware of the following possibilities:
- Airbag System Sync: If your airbag warning light is on after installation, a simple ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure may be needed. This requires a professional scan tool to sync the airbag system with the new BCM.
- Brake Pedal Position Relearn: On certain models, a brake pedal position sensor relearn might be necessary to ensure your brake lights and traction control system function correctly.
Disclaimer: Vehicle systems vary. We always recommend consulting a factory service manual or a qualified technician for procedures specific to your make and model.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This BCM is a direct-fit, programmed solution for a wide range of GM vehicles. Please verify your part number is on our cross-reference list: 13580698, 13578458, 13589115, 13589637, 13590173, 13590851, 13591300, 13592376, 13593775, 13593776, 13594564. This service is compatible with the following models:
- 2014-2016 Chevrolet Spark: electric model (EV), located at left lower a-pillar
- 2014-2015 Chevrolet Malibu: located at LH kick panel
- 2016 Chevrolet Malibu: VIN 1 (Limited), located at LH kick panel
- 2014-2015 Chevrolet Volt: located at RH engine compartment
- 2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro: located at RH dash
- 2014-2016 Cadillac ELR: located at RH cowl or RH engine compartment
- 2014-2016 Cadillac SRX: located at LH dash
- 2014-2016 Buick LaCrosse: located at LH kick panel
- 2014-2017 Buick Regal: located at LH dash
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the BCM do?
The Body Control Module (BCM) is a computer that manages many of your vehicle’s non-engine related functions. This includes power windows, door locks, interior and exterior lighting, security system, wipers, and more. When it fails, you get strange electrical behavior.
How does the programming service work?
After you place your order, we’ll provide instructions to ship your original BCM to us. We then use specialized equipment to extract the unique data and transfer it to the replacement module. We ship the plug-and-play replacement back to you, usually within one business day of receiving your original.
Is any additional programming required after I install it?
No, our cloning service makes this a plug-and-play part. All the necessary vehicle-specific data is transferred from your old module. In some rare cases, a minor relearn procedure like for the airbag or brake pedal sensor might be needed, as noted above.
Why is this better than buying a used BCM?
A standard used BCM from a salvage yard will contain the data from the donor car and will not work in your vehicle without being wiped and reprogrammed by a dealership, which is expensive. Our service pre-programs the module specifically for your car, saving you that step and cost.
What if my original part number isn’t 13590173?
This module is compatible with a range of part numbers. Please check the detailed fitment list above. As long as your original part number is on that list, this service will work for your vehicle.
Is there a core charge?
No, there is no core charge. We need your original module to perform the data transfer service, but you can keep it afterward if you wish, though it will no longer be functional for your vehicle.