Restore Peak Transmission Performance to Your Chevy Express Van
Is your reliable 2006-2014 Chevrolet Express 3500 van suffering from transmission issues like harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, or being stuck in limp mode? These are classic signs of a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). The TCM is the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, responsible for executing every shift with precision. When it fails, it can disrupt your vehicle’s performance, fuel economy, and reliability. This OEM-quality T42 TCM, part number 24243901, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play installation.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We recently had a 2011 Express 3500 cargo van come into the shop. The owner, a local contractor, complained of jarring shifts and the van getting stuck in 3rd gear, making it difficult to get up to speed. The check engine light was on, and our scan tool pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) code. After verifying power and grounds were good, we pinpointed an internal failure in the original TCM. We installed this exact VIN-programmed T42 module. After a quick battery disconnect to reset the vehicle’s systems and clearing the codes, the van was shifting as smoothly as the day it left the factory. The contractor was back on the road, heading to his next job in under an hour, with his van’s reliability fully restored.
Common Symptoms of a Failing T42 TCM
- ✔️ Harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting between gears.
- ✔️ Vehicle enters “limp mode,” often stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear.
- ✔️ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated on the dash.
- ✔️ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults are stored.
- ✔️ Complete failure to upshift or downshift, leading to poor acceleration.
- ✔️ A noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
- ✔️ Intermittent loss of communication with the transmission module.
Why Choose Our Programmed Express 3500 TCM?
Getting your work van back on the road quickly and correctly is crucial. Our T42 module is designed to eliminate guesswork and costly dealership visits, providing a dependable and straightforward repair.
- ✔️ VIN Programmed for Your Van: We flash the module with your vehicle’s VIN and the latest GM software updates before it ships. This ensures perfect communication with your van’s powertrain and eliminates the need for any additional programming. It’s ready to install right out of the box.
- ✔️ Restores Smooth Operation: By precisely controlling shift points, torque converter lockup, and line pressure, this module restores the smooth, predictable performance you expect from your 4L80E or other compatible transmission.
- ✔️ Built to OEM Standards: Manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this module ensures long-lasting durability and reliable performance, even under the heavy-duty demands of a work vehicle.
- ✔️ Hassle-Free Process: No core charge is required. You can keep your old part without the inconvenience of returning a core, saving you time and money.
Simple Installation Process
Replacing the TCM on your 2006-2014 Express 3500 is a straightforward job that can typically be completed in under 30 minutes. The module is located in the engine compartment on the right-hand side. Simply disconnect the vehicle’s battery, unplug the electrical connectors from the old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Reconnect the connectors and the battery, and you’re ready to go. We recommend using a basic scan tool to clear any stored DTCs after installation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Transmission Control Module (TCM) do?
The TCM is a computer that acts as the brain for your automatic transmission. It receives data from various sensors on the engine and transmission to control shift solenoids, regulate fluid pressure, and manage torque converter lockup, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes.
Does this module need to be programmed by a dealer?
No. This module comes fully pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This makes it a plug-and-play solution, saving you the time and expense of a trip to the dealership for programming.
Where is the TCM located on my 2006-2014 Express 3500?
On the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans from this era, the Transmission Control Module is typically found in the engine compartment, mounted on the right-hand (passenger) side.
Can a bad TCM prevent my vehicle from starting?
While less common than shifting problems, a completely failed TCM that is shorted or not communicating on the vehicle’s data network can sometimes cause a no-start condition or other strange electrical issues.
What happens if I don’t replace a failing TCM?
Ignoring a failing TCM can lead to progressively worse shifting, poor fuel economy, and eventually, severe internal damage to the transmission due to incorrect fluid pressures and harsh gear engagement. This can turn a relatively simple electronics replacement into a major mechanical repair.