Is Your Pontiac Montana Lurching, Stalling, or Stuck in Gear?
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless minivans like the Pontiac Montana come into the shop with transmission problems that seem catastrophic. The driver describes harsh, unpredictable shifts, a sudden refusal to shift out of 2nd gear (limp mode), and a glaring check engine light. Before you start budgeting for a full transmission rebuild, it’s crucial to diagnose the real culprit. In a huge number of these cases, the problem isn’t the transmission’s internal mechanicsโit’s the electronic brain that controls it: the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
“A customer’s ’08 Montana came in last week with these exact symptoms. The family was worried about a massive repair bill right before their vacation. After a quick scan, we saw classic solenoid circuit codes. Instead of a multi-thousand dollar transmission job, we swapped in a VIN-programmed T42 TCM. In under an hour, their minivan was shifting perfectly, and they were on their way. It’s one of the most common and satisfying fixes we do.”
Common Symptoms of a Failing Montana TCM:
- โ Harsh, slamming shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- โ Vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode) and won’t shift up or down.
- โ Check Engine Light is on with transmission-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700 or P0750.
- โ Poor acceleration and a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- โ The transmission seems to slip between gears, causing the engine to rev without an increase in speed.
DIY Installation Guide for Your 2006-2009 Montana Transmission Module
Replacing the TCM on your Montana is a straightforward job that most DIYers can handle in their driveway. Our VIN programming makes it a true plug-and-play repair. For your specific vehicle, the TCM is located at the top of the driver’s side strut tower in the engine bay.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the vehicle’s adaptive memory.
- Locate the Module: Open the hood and find the TCM mounted on the driver’s side (LH) strut tower. It’s a silver box with large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unclip the wiring harnesses. You may need a small flathead screwdriver to release the locking tabs. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Securely reconnect the wiring harnesses, ensuring they click and lock into position.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes. 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.
Why Choose Our VIN-Programmed TCM?
This isn’t just a part; it’s a complete solution. We take this genuine quality T42 TCM, part number 24235732, and flash it with the latest GM-certified software calibrated specifically to your Montana’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures the module communicates flawlessly with your engine computer and other systems, delivering optimal shift points and performance right out of the box. You get a reliable, long-term fix without the expense or hassle of a dealership visit for programming.
- Part Number: 24235732
- Interchangeable Part Numbers: 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, 24234274, 24235340, 24235754, 24238856, 24239224, 24239926, 24240400, 24241806, 24243901, 24243921, 24255280, 24256960, 24235753, 24240449, YNXS
- Warranty: Backed by our one-year warranty for your peace of mind.
- Core Charge: None! Keep your old part, no return necessary.