Get Your Work Van Back on the Job with a Reliable Transmission Fix
As a mechanic with over two decades of experience, I know that when a workhorse like your 2006-2014 Chevrolet Express 3500 Van is down, every minute counts. Erratic shifting, getting stuck in limp mode, or a glaring check engine light isn’t just an annoyance—it’s costing you money. The Transmission Control Module (TCM), specifically the T42 module, is the brain behind your automatic transmission’s operation. When it fails, it can cause a host of frustrating and debilitating problems. This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24256960, is the definitive solution to get your van’s transmission shifting smoothly and reliably again.
The biggest hurdle with electronic module replacement has always been the expensive and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming. We eliminate that step entirely. By providing us with your van’s VIN during checkout, we program the module for you. It arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, pre-loaded with the latest GM software updates for your specific vehicle. This ensures optimal communication with your van’s 4L80E transmission, restoring proper shift points, torque converter lockup, and overall performance without any extra hassle.
Case Study: The Contractor’s Intermittent Shifting Nightmare
A local contractor brought in his 2011 Express 3500, a van that was the lifeblood of his business. The complaint was maddeningly intermittent: some days it shifted perfectly, others it would slam into gear or refuse to shift out of 2nd. He’d already replaced two shift solenoids with no luck. After hooking up my scan tool, I noticed communication dropouts with the TCM, but no hard codes besides the general P0700. In my experience, these T42 modules can develop internal connection issues from years of heat cycles and vibration, leading to exactly these kinds of phantom problems. We installed one of our pre-programmed modules, and the problem was solved instantly. He was back on the road in under an hour, saving him a costly diagnostic runaround and another day of lost work.
Is Your Express Van Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t always mean a complete transmission failure. Often, the signs are electronic. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty 2006-2014 Express 3500 Transmission Module is a likely culprit:
- âś” Harsh, banging shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- âś” The vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode), often 2nd or 3rd.
- âś” Check Engine Light is on with transmission-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700, P0750, P0753, P0758, or other solenoid circuit codes.
- âś” Inconsistent or no upshifting/downshifting.
- âś” A sudden drop in fuel economy.
- âś” The ‘PRNDL’ display on the dash may not show the correct gear or may not light up at all.
Simple Installation to Get Your Van Running Smoothly
This is a repair that a confident DIYer or any professional mechanic can complete quickly, typically in under 30 minutes. For the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, the process is very straightforward.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electronic repair.
- Locate the Module: On the Express/Savana vans, the TCM is conveniently located in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side, usually near the firewall.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly to avoid damaging them. Then, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock in.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s always good practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the system. Start the vehicle and enjoy smooth shifting!
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
While this page is focused on the 2006-2014 Express 3500 Transmission Module, this T42 unit is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, and 4L80E. Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN to ensure perfect compatibility. This module interchanges with part numbers: 24256960, 24242391, 24234503, 24252114, 24230461, and more.
Partial Fitment List:
- Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana 1500, 2500, 3500 (2006-2014)
- Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 (2007-2013)
- Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon (2007-2009)
- Chevrolet Avalanche (2007-2008)
- Chevrolet Impala (2006-2011)
- Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (2008-2012)
- Hummer H3 (2008-2010)
- And many more Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, and Saturn models.