Is Your 2006 Pontiac Pursuit Shifting Erratically?
There’s nothing more frustrating than when a dependable car like your Pontiac Pursuit starts acting up. You hit the gas, and instead of a smooth gear change, you get a harsh bang, a hesitation, or worseโit feels stuck in one gear. That check engine light glaring at you from the dash only adds to the stress. In my 20+ years as a technician, I’ve seen this scenario hundreds of time on GM vehicles. More often than not, the culprit isn’t a catastrophic transmission failure, but a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM).
This T42 TCM, part number 24230461, is the direct-fit, pre-programmed solution to restore your vehicle’s performance and peace of mind. It’s the brain of your automatic transmission, and when it fails, the symptoms can be alarming.
Common Symptoms of a Failing 2006 Pontiac Pursuit TCM
If you’re experiencing any of the following, a failing TCM is the most likely cause. I’ve personally diagnosed these exact issues on countless GM compacts like the Pursuit, Cobalt, and G5 that share this platform.
- โ Harsh, Delayed, or Slipping Shifts: The car slams into gear or revs high before finally shifting.
- โ Stuck in Limp Mode: The transmission won’t shift out of 2nd or 3rd gear, a safety feature to prevent further damage.
- โ Check Engine & Transmission Lights: You’ll often see diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) or various solenoid-specific codes (P0750-P0774).
- โ No Communication with Scan Tool: In some cases, the module fails completely and won’t communicate with diagnostic equipment.
- โ Poor Fuel Economy: Inefficient shifting and torque converter lock-up issues can cause your car to use more gas than usual.
Expert Pro Tip: Check Your Connections First
Before ordering, take a moment to inspect the TCM’s electrical connectors. On the Pursuit, the module is located on the driver’s side strut tower, where it’s exposed to the elements. I’ve seen cases where moisture intrusion caused corrosion on the pins, leading to poor communication and shifting problems. A quick clean with an electrical contact cleaner can sometimes solve the issue, but if the pins are clean and the problems persist, the module itself has failed internally.
Plug-and-Play Installation: No Dealer Visit Required
The biggest hurdle with replacing a TCM used to be the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. We eliminate that step entirely. We program this module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before it ships, loading it with the latest GM software updates. It arrives ready for a simple, straightforward installation.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the system.
- Locate the TCM: On your 2006 Pursuit, the TCM is mounted to the driver’s side (LH) strut tower in the engine compartment. It’s a silver box with two large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the two wiring harness connectors. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the two wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s always best practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the ECU.
Guaranteed Compatibility and Reliability
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles and is interchangeable with numerous part numbers, including 24230461, 24252114, 24234503, 24239224, and more. Built to meet or exceed OEM specifications and backed by our one-year warranty, you can be confident you’re getting a durable and reliable part that solves the problem for good. Don’t let a faulty computer sideline your carโget the correct, pre-programmed part and restore its smooth, predictable performance.