Fix Your Buick’s Shifting Problems for Good
If you’re experiencing frustrating and unpredictable transmission behavior in your 2006-2009 Buick Allure, you’re not alone. As a technician with over two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles come into the shop with symptoms like harsh bangs into gear, delayed shifting, or being stuck in ‘limp mode.’ More often than not, the culprit isn’t a catastrophic transmission failure, but a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM). This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24235732, is the definitive, reliable solution to restore your car’s performance and your peace of mind.
This isn’t just a part; it’s a complete fix. We pre-program each module to your vehicle’s specific VIN, ensuring it communicates flawlessly with your car’s systems right out of the box. This eliminates the need for expensive dealership programming, saving you time and hundreds of dollars. By precisely managing shift points, torque converter lockup, and line pressure, this module will make your Allure drive like it just rolled off the factory floor.
Is Your Buick Allure Exhibiting These Transmission Issues?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. If you notice any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs replacement. Ignoring these signs can lead to further transmission damage.
- ✔ Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔ The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode), often 2nd or 3rd.
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as the general code P0700 or specific solenoid codes (e.g., P0751, P0756).
- ✔ A noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in his 2008 Buick Allure, convinced he needed a full transmission rebuild. He’d been quoted over $3,000. The car was shifting violently from 1st to 2nd and sometimes wouldn’t shift at all. I connected my scan tool and found a P0700 and a few intermittent solenoid codes. Instead of condemning the transmission, I checked the TCM data. I noticed erratic pressure readings that didn’t match the commands. We swapped in one of our VIN-programmed TCMs, and in less than an hour of work, the car was shifting perfectly. He saved thousands by correctly diagnosing the electronic failure instead of the mechanical one.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best features of this part is its simple, DIY-friendly installation. For the 2006-2009 Buick Allure, the TCM is conveniently located, making the job quick and easy. You can have your car back on the road in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools.
- 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 your Buick Allure, the TCM is typically found inside or attached to the lower air cleaner housing in the engine bay.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly. Then, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Reconnect the electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a few minutes. If you have a basic scan tool, it’s good practice to clear any stored DTCs. Take the car for a test drive to confirm the smooth shifting.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This T42 Transmission Control Module is engineered for a wide range of General Motors vehicles, providing a guaranteed fit and function for the following models, among others. This specific part, 24235732, is a direct replacement for your original Buick Allure TCM.
- ✔ Buick: Allure (2006-2009), LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rainier, Rendezvous
- ✔ Chevrolet: Silverado, Tahoe, Impala, Cobalt, HHR, Express Van
- ✔ GMC: Sierra, Yukon, Savana Van, Envoy
- ✔ Pontiac: G6, Grand Prix
- ✔ Saturn: Aura, Vue, Ion
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a Transmission Control Module (TCM) do?
The TCM is the dedicated computer, or ‘brain,’ for your automatic transmission. It receives data from various sensors on the engine and vehicle, and uses that information to control shift solenoids, line pressure, and torque converter lockup to ensure smooth, efficient gear changes.
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes. Providing your VIN is critical. We use it to load the latest, vehicle-specific GM software onto the module. This ensures 100% compatibility and plug-and-play installation without any need for additional, costly programming at a dealership.
Will this fix my transmission that is stuck in one gear?
In many cases, yes. When a TCM fails, it often puts the transmission into a ‘limp mode’ or ‘fail-safe’ mode, locking it in 2nd or 3rd gear to prevent further damage. Replacing a faulty TCM is the correct fix for this electronic issue.
Is any special relearn procedure required after installation?
No special relearn procedure is required. Because the module comes pre-programmed to your VIN, the installation is plug-and-play. After reconnecting the battery and starting the car, the system will adapt quickly during the first few miles of driving.
What if my part number is slightly different?
This module replaces a wide range of original GM part numbers, including 24252114, 24234503, and many others. As long as your vehicle is listed in our compatibility chart, this module is the correct replacement, even if the number on your old part differs.