If your 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous is suffering from harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, or has suddenly gone into limp mode, the culprit is often a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, the TCM is responsible for every gear change. When it falters, it can make your reliable family SUV feel unpredictable and unsafe. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a critical failure that impacts performance, fuel economy, and drivability.
Over my 20+ years in the garage, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles with these exact symptoms. Drivers come in frustrated, worried about a massive transmission rebuild bill. More often than not, the issue isn’t the complex internal mechanics but this single electronic component. This OEM-quality T42 TCM, part number 24256960, is the definitive solution. 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 ready for a true plug-and-play installation, restoring the crisp, smooth shifting you remember.
Case Study: The Rendezvous That Wouldn’t Shift
A customer brought in a 2007 Buick Rendezvous with a classic complaint: it would slam into gear from a stop and refuse to upshift past 3rd gear. The check engine light was on, and their local shop had quoted them for a full transmission inspection, suspecting a bad solenoid pack. I hooked up my scanner and pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a U0101 (Lost Communication with TCM). Before tearing into the transmission pan, I checked the TCM itself—located right under the air cleaner box on this model. A quick visual inspection showed no damage, but the communication loss was the key. We ordered a VIN-programmed TCM. After a 20-minute swap, all codes cleared, and the Rendezvous was shifting perfectly. It saved the customer over a thousand dollars and a week of downtime.
Is Your Buick Exhibiting These Transmission Problems?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your 2006-2007 Rendezvous TCM needs replacement:
- ✔ Harsh, banging, or erratic gear shifts.
- ✔ The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (often 2nd or 3rd), also known as “limp mode.”
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated on your dash.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750-P0758 (solenoid circuit faults), or communication errors.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip or hesitate when accelerating.
- ✔ Complete failure to shift gears.
DIY-Friendly Installation Guide for Your Rendezvous
You don’t need to be a master mechanic to perform this repair. With basic hand tools, you can have your Rendezvous back on the road in under 30 minutes. This module is specifically located under the air cleaner box on the 2006-2007 Rendezvous.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the system.
- Locate the TCM: On your Rendezvous, you’ll need to remove the air cleaner box assembly to access the Transmission Control Module.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old TCM. 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 harnesses. You should hear a click as they lock in.
- Final Steps: Reinstall the air cleaner box and reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a few minutes. If you have a basic OBD2 scanner, it’s good practice to clear any stored fault codes.
Verified Fitment for Your General Motors Vehicle
While this is the correct part for the 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous, this versatile T42 TCM also fits a wide range of other GM vehicles. Please confirm your model and year below. This part is interchangeable with service numbers 24242391, 24234503, 24252114, and more.
Fitment includes: Buick (Allure, LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rainier, Rendezvous), Cadillac (DTS), Chevrolet (Avalanche, Cobalt, Colorado, Express, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Silverado, SSR, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer), GMC (Canyon, Envoy, Savana, Sierra, Yukon), Hummer (H3), Pontiac (G5, G6, Grand Prix, Pursuit), Saab (9-7X), Saturn (Aura, Ion, Vue), and more from 2006-2014. Please verify the specific options for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this module programmed by a dealership?
No. The main benefit of our service is that this module arrives at your door pre-programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. This makes it a direct-fit, plug-and-play solution, saving you the time and expense of a dealer visit.
What exactly does a Transmission Control Module do?
The TCM is the computer that controls all the functions of a modern automatic transmission. It reads data from various sensors (like vehicle speed and engine RPM) to decide the perfect moment to shift gears, engage the torque converter, and regulate fluid pressure for smooth operation.
Where is the TCM located on my 2006 Buick Rendezvous?
On the 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous, the Transmission Control Module is conveniently located directly under the engine’s air cleaner box. You will need to remove the airbox to access it.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 code is a general fault code indicating the TCM has detected a problem. While this module often resolves the root cause (like internal failure), you should have the specific transmission codes read to be certain. However, if the TCM itself is the source of the fault, this part is the correct fix.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, we do not require a core charge. You can keep your old part without any hassle or extra fees.