Restore Flawless Shifting to Your Chevrolet Cobalt
If you’re dealing with the frustration of a 2006-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt that slams into gear, refuses to shift, or is stuck in limp mode, the culprit is very likely a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty TCM can sideline an otherwise reliable vehicle. This T42 TCM, part number 24235754, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your car’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair that gets you back on the road without a costly trip to the dealership.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in their 2008 Cobalt complaining of intermittent ‘no-shift’ conditions and a flashing check engine light. They’d already replaced a shift solenoid with no luck. On my scan tool, I saw a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a few intermittent solenoid circuit codes. The key was ‘intermittent.’ After checking the wiring harness for damage, I focused on the TCM. These modules, especially the T42 generation, can develop internal solder joint fractures from heat cycles, causing unpredictable communication loss. Swapping in a VIN-programmed TCM like this one not only cleared the codes for good but restored the car’s crisp, predictable shifting. It’s a common failure point that many overlook.
Is Your Cobalt Exhibiting These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t always mean total transmission failure. Often, it presents as a series of electronic gremlins. Watch out for these common indicators:
- ✔ Harsh, banging shifts or delayed gear engagement from a stop.
- ✔ The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode), usually 2nd or 3rd.
- ✔ An illuminated Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light on the dash.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the system, such as P0700, P0750, P0753, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ Inconsistent shifting performance that gets worse as the vehicle warms up.
- ✔ A sudden drop in fuel economy due to inefficient gear management.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best features of this module is its ease of installation, which most DIYers can complete in under 30 minutes. For your 2006-2010 Cobalt, the TCM is conveniently located and easy to access.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and reset the onboard systems.
- Locate the Module: On the Chevrolet Cobalt, you’ll find the TCM mounted to the driver’s side strut tower in the engine compartment.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New TCM: Mount the new, pre-programmed module in place and securely fasten the bolts. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the critical setup, it’s good practice to use a basic OBD2 scanner to clear any lingering fault codes from the ECU’s memory. Start the car and enjoy smooth shifting!
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
While this is the perfect solution for your 2006-2010 Cobalt Transmission Module needs, this versatile T42 TCM also fits a wide range of other General Motors vehicles. It is a direct replacement for part numbers 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, 24234274, 24235340, 24238856, and more. Please see the detailed list below to confirm your specific model.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take my car to a dealer for programming?
Absolutely not. We program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before shipping. It arrives ready for installation, saving you hundreds in dealership fees and programming time.
Is a core charge required for my old TCM?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part or dispose of it without the hassle of returning it.
What tools do I need for the installation?
For a Chevy Cobalt, you’ll typically only need a basic socket set to remove the module’s mounting bolts and a wrench for the battery terminal. No specialized tools are required.
Will this fix a P0700 code?
Yes. The P0700 code is a general fault code indicating the TCM has detected a problem. Replacing a faulty TCM with our programmed unit is the direct fix for this issue, assuming the underlying cause is the module itself.
What if I have questions during my installation?
We provide expert support. If you run into any issues or have questions, our team of experienced technicians is here to help guide you through the process.