Restore Your Saturn’s Drivability and End Shifting Nightmares
If you’re dealing with a 2006 or 2007 Saturn Ion that’s shifting erratically, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, you’ve come to the right place. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless drivers frustrated by these exact issues. The problem often points directly to a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM), the electronic brain of your automatic transmission. This T42 series TCM, part number 24235754, is the definitive, reliable solution to get your car back on the road and driving like new.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We take the hassle and expense out of the repair by pre-programming the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This means you can skip the costly trip to the dealership for programming. It arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, immediately restoring communication between your engine and transmission for crisp, correct shifts and resolving those persistent warning lights.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Misleading Diagnosis
A few months back, a customer brought in a 2007 Saturn Ion. The car was stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode) and had a P0700 code. Another shop had already replaced two shift solenoids, costing the owner hundreds, but the problem remained. They were convinced the transmission was shot. I suspected the TCM. We plugged in this exact VIN-programmed module, and within 20 minutes, the car was shifting perfectly through all gears. It’s a classic case where the root cause—the TCM—was overlooked. This module saved the customer from a needless and expensive transmission rebuild.
Is Your Saturn Ion Showing These Telltale Signs?
A faulty TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a failing module is the likely culprit. In my shop, over 90% of these symptoms on GM vehicles of this era trace back to the TCM.
- ✔️ Harsh, banging shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- ✔️ The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (often called “limp mode”).
- ✔️ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on.
- ✔️ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750-P0758 (solenoid circuit faults), or U-codes for communication loss.
- ✔️ Inability to upshift or downshift correctly.
- ✔️ A sudden, unexplained drop in fuel economy.
- ✔️ Complete loss of transmission function.
A Straightforward Guide to Your 2006-2007 Saturn Ion TCM Installation
One of the best features of this part is its simple installation. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to do this job. For the 2006-2007 Saturn Ion, the TCM is located behind the driver’s side strut tower in the engine bay. The whole process should take less than 30 minutes.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the vehicle’s computer systems.
- Locate the Module: Open the hood and find the TCM. On the Ion, it’s typically mounted behind the driver’s side strut tower.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, VIN-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock in.
- Reconnect and Verify: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a moment. If you have a basic OBD2 scanner, it’s good practice to clear any stored fault codes.
- Test Drive: Take your Saturn for a drive to confirm that the shifting issues are resolved and no warning lights return.
Verified Fitment for Your Vehicle
While this page focuses on the 2006-2007 Saturn Ion TCM, this module is compatible with a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E and 4L65E. Please verify your vehicle from the list below. This part is a direct replacement for service numbers including 24234503, 24252114, 24235754, and others.
- Saturn Ion: 2006-2007 (Transmission; behind LH strut tower)
- Chevrolet Cobalt: 2006-2010 (Transmission; LH strut tower)
- Chevrolet HHR: 2006-2011 (Transmission; LH engine compartment)
- Chevrolet Impala: 2006-2011 (Transmission; lower air cleaner housing)
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2006-2010 (Transmission; LH frame rail)
- Pontiac G6: 2006-2010 (Transmission; LH strut tower)
- And many more GM models from 2006-2014, including select models of the Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon, Sierra, and Express vans. Please check the full compatibility list for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get this module programmed by a dealer?
No. This is the biggest benefit of our service. We program the module to your car’s VIN before shipping it. It arrives ready for installation, saving you time and hundreds of dollars in dealership fees.
What does ‘plug-and-play’ mean?
It means the installation requires no special procedures, software, or tools. You simply remove the old module, plug in the new one, and you’re done. The pre-programming handles all the complicated software configuration for you.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You are not required to send your old, faulty module back to us. You can keep it or dispose of it at your convenience.
What warranty is included with this 2006-2007 Saturn Ion TCM?
This module comes with a one-year warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
Yes, in many cases. The P0700 code is a general transmission fault request from the TCM. If the TCM itself is the source of the electrical or logical fault triggering other codes, replacing it with this programmed module will resolve the issue and allow the P0700 code to be cleared.