If your 2006-2007 Saturn Ion is suffering from erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or has the dreaded check engine light on with transmission codes, you’ve likely pinpointed the culprit: a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, a faulty TCM can make driving frustrating and unsafe. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that compromises your car’s performance and fuel economy. I’ve seen this exact issue countless times in my shop, and the solution is simpler than you think.
This T42 Transmission Control Module is the definitive fix for your Saturn Ion. We take the guesswork and high dealership costs out of the equation by pre-programming it to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This means it arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation. No expensive trips to the dealer for programming are necessary. You are getting a reliable, OEM-quality part that restores the crisp, predictable shifting you expect from your vehicle. This is the same reliable solution I’d use for a customer’s car on my own lift.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Saturn Ion Stuck in Limp Mode
A customer brought in a 2007 Saturn Ion that wouldn’t shift past 3rd gear—a classic limp mode scenario. The dash was lit up with a check engine light, and my scan tool pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a few solenoid circuit codes. After checking the wiring harness for any obvious damage, my experience pointed directly to the TCM. These modules, often located behind the strut tower, are susceptible to failure from years of heat cycles and vibration. Instead of a costly and time-consuming diagnostic rabbit hole, we installed one of our VIN-programmed T42 modules. The entire job took less than 30 minutes. After a quick battery disconnect to clear the memory and a final scan to confirm no codes returned, the car was shifting perfectly. The customer was back on the road the same day, having avoided a huge dealership bill.
Is Your Saturn Ion Showing These Telltale Signs?
- âś” Harsh, banging shifts or a noticeable delay when putting the car in Drive or Reverse.
- âś” The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode), making it difficult to accelerate.
- âś” An illuminated Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light on your dashboard.
- âś” Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the system, such as P0700, P0750, P0753, or other solenoid-related faults.
- âś” A sudden drop in fuel economy as the transmission isn’t operating efficiently.
- âś” Complete loss of communication with the module, leading to a no-shift condition.
Your Straightforward 30-Minute Installation Guide
This is a repair you can confidently tackle in your own driveway. The 2006-2007 Ion Transmission Module is designed for a simple swap.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and help reset the vehicle’s computer systems.
- Locate the Module: On the Saturn Ion, the TCM is typically found in the engine bay, mounted behind the driver-side (LH) strut tower.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any lingering fault codes from the initial failure. Test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Verified Fitment For Your Vehicle
This module, part number 24230461, is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. While this listing is focused on the Saturn Ion, it is also compatible with the following models. Please verify your specific model and options.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
EXPRESS VANS 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
G5 07-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
G6 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
GRAND PRIX 06-08 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
HHR 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
IMPALA 06-11 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LUCERNE 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
PURSUIT 06 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
RENDEZVOUS 06-07 Transmission; (air cleaner box)
SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA VANS 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA PICKUPS 07-13 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO PICKUPS 07-13 Transmission; (next to battery)
SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery)
TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
VUE 07-10 Transmission; (engine compartment)
YUKON & YUKON XL 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ mean for me?
It means this module is delivered ready to install. We load your car’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the latest GM software onto the module before shipping. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your vehicle’s other computers, eliminating the need for an expensive programming service at a dealership.
Will this fix my transmission problems for good?
This module is designed to resolve issues directly caused by a failing TCM, such as electronic shifting errors, communication faults, and related trouble codes. It’s built to OEM standards for long-term reliability, addressing the common failure points of the original unit.
Is this installation really something I can do myself?
Absolutely. For most DIYers with basic hand tools, this is a very manageable job. The module is typically in an accessible location in the engine bay, and the process involves unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. Our installation guide above provides the key steps.
Will this 2006-2007 Ion Transmission Module clear my check engine light?
If the check engine light is on due to codes related to the TCM (like P0700 or solenoid faults), then yes, replacing the faulty module is the correct repair to allow those codes to be cleared and stay cleared.
Do I need to send my old part back?
No, there is no core charge for this module. You can keep your old part, saving you the time and hassle of a return shipment.