Restore Your Cobalt’s Smooth Shifting Performance
If your 2006-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is suffering from erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, you’re not alone. After 20 years in the garage, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles with these exact issues, and the culprit is almost always a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). This critical component is the brain of your automatic transmission, and when it starts to go, it can make your car feel unreliable and unsafe. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a problem that affects your car’s drivability and fuel economy.
This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24243921, is the definitive solution. The biggest headache with electronic modules is the need for expensive dealership programming. We eliminate that completely. By providing your vehicle’s VIN at checkout, we program the module for you. It arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, saving you hundreds of dollars and a trip to the dealer. This is the same straightforward, reliable fix I’d perform in my own service bay.
Is Your Cobalt Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t always mean a complete transmission failure. Often, it starts with small, intermittent problems. Here are the most common symptoms I’ve diagnosed that point directly to a bad module:
- ✔ Harsh, banging shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- ✔ The vehicle is stuck in “limp mode,” often in 2nd or 3rd gear.
- ✔ Check Engine Light or transmission warning light is on with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ Inability to upshift or downshift, leading to poor acceleration.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
- ✔ Intermittent loss of communication with the module.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Shifter
A customer brought in a 2008 Cobalt complaining of random, hard shifts that would disappear for days at a time. No codes were stored initially, making it a diagnostic challenge. We checked the fluid and solenoids—all fine. On a long test drive, the transmission finally faulted and went into limp mode. The scanner showed a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction). In my experience, these intermittent electrical gremlins are classic signs of a failing TCM processor. The internal circuits heat up and cool down, causing unpredictable behavior. We installed a VIN-programmed TCM, and the problem was solved permanently. It’s a perfect example of how replacing the module can fix issues that seem purely mechanical.
Your Solution: A Pre-Programmed 2006-2010 Cobalt Transmission Control Module
This isn’t just a part; it’s a complete repair solution. Built to strict OEM specifications, this module restores the precise electronic control your transmission needs. It manages shift points, torque converter lockup, and line pressure to bring back that factory-smooth feel. With the latest GM software updates pre-loaded, you’re getting a component that’s ready to perform reliably for years to come.
DIY-Friendly Installation Guide
For the Chevy Cobalt, this is a job most DIYers can handle in their own driveway in under 30 minutes. No specialized tools are required.
- 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 the 2006-2010 Cobalt, the TCM is conveniently located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, mounted to the LH strut tower. It’s easily accessible.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Securely plug in the electrical connectors until they click.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the critical setup, it’s good practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any lingering fault codes from the ECU’s memory. Start the car and enjoy your smooth-shifting transmission!
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
While this page is dedicated to the Cobalt, this T42 TCM is a workhorse for GM, fitting a wide array of vehicles. This ensures a high-quality, broadly tested part. Your purchase is guaranteed to fit the following models:
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
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 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
ENVOY 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
ENVOY XL 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 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)
ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LUCERNE 06-07 Transmission; (4.6L), (LH engine compartment)
LUCERNE 08-11 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 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
TRAILBLAZER 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
TRAILBLAZER EXT 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
VUE 07-08 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/hybrid, LH side front engine compartment, (shift control)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/o hybrid; (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 10 Transmission
YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
It means we load your car’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the latest GM software onto the module before we ship it. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your car’s other computers (like the ECU) right out of the box, eliminating the need for a dealership to program it.
No, there is absolutely no core charge. You can keep your old part or dispose of it without the hassle of shipping it back to us, simplifying your repair process.
No special tools are needed. A basic socket set to remove the mounting bolts and your hands to unplug the connectors are all that’s required. It’s one of the more straightforward electronic component replacements you can do.
While this module solves the most common causes of these symptoms, we’re here to help. This part comes with a one-year warranty. If you’re still having issues, contact our expert support team. We can help you verify the diagnosis and ensure you get the right fix.
This T42 TCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM service numbers, including 24243921, 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, 24234274, 24239224, 24240400, and more. It ensures broad compatibility and reliability.