Get Your Workhorse Van Back on the Road with a Reliable TCM
As a business owner or fleet manager, you know that a Chevrolet Express 3500 Van isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a critical tool. When its transmission starts acting up, your entire operation can grind to a halt. Erratic shifting, getting stuck in limp mode on a job site, or a glowing check engine light can mean lost time and lost income. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a threat to your bottom line. After spending two decades diagnosing these exact issues, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) can sideline even the most dependable work vans.
This T42 TCM is the definitive solution for your 2006-2014 Express 3500 TCM problems. It arrives at your door pre-programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming. It’s a true plug-and-play fix designed to restore the crisp, predictable shifting your 4L80E or other GM automatic transmission is known for. By precisely managing shift points, torque converter lockup, and line pressure, this module ensures your van can handle heavy loads and long days without complaint.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Shifting Nightmare
I once had a local plumbing company bring in their 2011 Express 3500. The complaint was ‘ghostly’ shifting problems. It would work perfectly for days, then suddenly start slamming into gear or refuse to upshift. They’d already paid another shop to replace two shift solenoids, but the problem returned. Hooking up my professional scan tool, I monitored the TCM data stream during a test drive. I saw the commanded gear and the actual gear mismatched intermittently, but the solenoid circuits tested fine. The culprit was a failing processor inside the original TCM that couldn’t handle heat cycles anymore. We installed one of our VIN-programmed T42 modules, and the van has been running solid for their fleet ever since. This is a classic failure mode that a simple part swap solves correctly the first time.
Is Your Van Showing These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ Harsh, delayed, or unpredictable gear shifts.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in one gear (often called “limp mode”).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip between gears or fails to engage from Park.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
You can have your Express Van back in service in under 30 minutes. This is a repair that a confident DIYer or any professional technician can complete with basic tools.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- Locate the Module: In most 2006-2014 Express and Savana vans, the TCM is conveniently located in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old TCM. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, VIN-programmed TCM and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a few minutes. If you have a scan tool, it’s good practice to clear any stored transmission codes. Take a test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Will This Fit My Vehicle?
This module is a direct-fit replacement for the 2006-2014 Express 3500 TCM and is also compatible with a wide range of other General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and year below. This part is interchangeable with service numbers including 24243901, 24252114, 24234503, and others listed in the product details.
- Chevrolet: Express 1500/2500/3500 Van (06-14), Silverado (07-13), Tahoe (07-09), Impala (06-11), Cobalt (06-10), HHR (06-11), Colorado (08-12)
- GMC: Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van (06-14), Sierra (07-13), Yukon (07-09), Envoy (06-09), Canyon (08-12)
- Buick: LaCrosse (06-09), Lucerne (06-11), Rendezvous (06-07)
- Cadillac: DTS (06-11)
- Pontiac: G6 (06-10), Grand Prix (06-08)
- Saturn: Vue (07-10), Aura (07-09), Ion (06-07)
- Hummer: H3 (08-10)
- Saab: 9-7X (06-09)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “VIN Programmed” mean for my Express Van?
It means we load your van’s specific factory software and settings onto the module before we ship it. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your engine computer and other systems right out of the box, saving you a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership for programming.
Do I need special tools for this installation?
No, this is a straightforward repair. Basic hand tools like a socket set are all that’s required to access and replace the module in your Express Van. No complex diagnostic equipment is needed for the installation itself.
Will this fix a P0700 transmission code?
A P0700 code simply tells you the TCM has detected a fault. Often, it’s accompanied by more specific codes (like for a pressure control solenoid). A failing TCM is a very common root cause for these codes. Replacing it with this module will resolve the issue if the TCM is indeed the faulty component.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is absolutely no core charge. You can keep your old module or recycle it at your convenience without any extra fees or hassle.
How do I confirm this is the right part for my van?
This T42 module is the correct fit for 2006-2014 Chevrolet Express 3500 Vans. You can also confirm by matching the part number on your original module to 24243901 or any of the other interchangeable numbers listed on our product page.