Is Your Work Van Off the Road? Get it Shifting Perfectly Again.
For a business owner or a hard-working contractor, a Chevrolet Express 3500 van that’s stuck in limp mode or shifting erratically isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. Every delayed gear change and every warning light on the dash means lost time and money. This is a common failure point I’ve seen countless times in my 20+ years in the shop. The T42 Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, and when it fails, it can bring your entire operation to a halt. This replacement 2006-2014 Express 3500 TCM is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your van’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair that gets you back to work without a costly trip to the dealership.
Case Study: The Ghost in the Transmission
A local delivery company brought in their 2011 Express 3500, a van with over 200,000 miles on it. The driver complained of intermittent, violent shifts and occasional episodes where the van would refuse to shift out of 2nd gear. We scanned it and got a generic P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a solenoid code that would disappear after a reset. After confirming the wiring harness was secure and the solenoids tested fine, we suspected the TCM. The internal circuitry, exposed to years of heat cycles in the engine bay, was failing intermittently. We installed a VIN-programmed T42 module, and the van was back in service the same afternoon, shifting as smoothly as it did on day one. This simple swap saved them from a potential transmission rebuild and days of costly downtime.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Red Flags?
- ✔ 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 illuminated.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750, P0755, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip, or you notice a sudden drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
You don’t need to be a master mechanic to install this part. For the Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, the process is especially simple. This is a critical repair you can perform yourself in under 30 minutes, getting your vehicle back in service immediately.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and to help reset the system.
- Locate the Module: On your 2006-2014 Express 3500, the TCM is conveniently located in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side. You can’t miss it.
- 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 TCM: Bolt the new, pre-programmed module into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. You should hear a click as they lock in.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the critical setup, it’s always best practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the vehicle’s memory.
Verified Compatibility for Your GM Vehicle
This T42 TCM is a direct-fit replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, and 4L80E. While it’s the perfect solution for your 2006-2014 Express 3500 TCM, it also fits many other workhorses and daily drivers. It is interchangeable with part numbers 24252114, 24234503, YNXS, and others. Key compatible models include:
- ✔ Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana (1500, 2500, 3500)
- ✔ Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra (1500, 2500)
- ✔ Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon
- ✔ Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon
- ✔ Hummer H3
- ✔ Chevrolet Impala, Cobalt, HHR
- …and many more GM cars, trucks, and SUVs from 2006-2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take my van to the dealer for programming?
No. This module comes fully programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. It is a plug-and-play solution that requires no additional programming or setup. Just provide your VIN at checkout.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
Not at all. For most vehicles, especially the Express/Savana vans, it’s located in an easy-to-access spot in the engine bay and requires only basic hand tools. The entire job can typically be done in under 30 minutes.
What is a core charge?
A core charge is a deposit that is returned to you when you send back your old part. We make it simple: there is absolutely no core charge on this part. You can keep your old module.
What kind of warranty is included?
This part is backed by our one-year, hassle-free warranty, giving you peace of mind that you’re installing a quality, reliable component.
Will this fix a P0700 code?
A P0700 code is a general fault request from the TCM to the main engine computer (ECM) to turn on the check engine light. While a faulty TCM is a very common cause for this code, it’s important to have the vehicle scanned for more specific transmission codes (like P07xx) to confirm the diagnosis.