Is Your Savana 1500 Shifting Erratically?
If you’re experiencing harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, or your 2006-2014 GMC Savana 1500 is stuck in limp mode, a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the most likely culprit. The TCM is the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, responsible for orchestrating every gear change, managing torque converter lockup, and monitoring system health. When it fails, it can cause a host of frustrating and potentially damaging issues, from poor fuel economy to a complete inability to shift gears, leaving you stranded.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We had a 2011 Savana 1500 work van come into the shop that the owner said was “possessed.” It would shift perfectly for miles, then suddenly slam into gear or refuse to shift out of second. The check engine light was on, and he had a P0700 code. After checking the basics—fluid level and condition—we scanned the TCM and found multiple solenoid circuit codes. Instead of chasing electrical ghosts, we installed one of our VIN-programmed T42 modules. The installation took less than 30 minutes. After a quick battery disconnect to clear the adaptive memory and a test drive, the van shifted like it just rolled off the factory floor. The owner was back on the road, making money, the same afternoon.
The Direct Solution: A Programmed Savana 1500 Transmission Module
Don’t let a faulty module dictate your van’s performance. This genuine GM T42 Transmission Control Module, part number 24255280, is the definitive solution for restoring your vehicle’s transmission to its optimal state. The most significant advantage is our complimentary VIN programming service. We flash the module with the latest GM software specific to your Savana’s Vehicle Identification Number before it ships. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for programming—it arrives ready for a true plug-and-play installation, saving you time and money.
Symptoms of a Failing Savana TCM
- ✔ Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts that disrupt your drive.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode), severely limiting speed.
- ✔ The Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated on your dash.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related codes.
- ✔ A noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency as the transmission operates incorrectly.
- ✔ Complete failure to shift, rendering the vehicle undrivable.
- ✔ Intermittent electrical problems that seem to have no other source.
Installation and Compatibility
Replacing the Savana 1500 Transmission Module is a straightforward job for a DIY mechanic or any professional technician. On the Savana vans, the TCM is typically located in the engine compartment on the right-hand side, making it easily accessible. Simply disconnect the battery, unplug the electrical connectors from the old module, unbolt it, and install the new one in its place. Reconnect everything, and you’re ready to go. Because it’s pre-programmed, the vehicle will recognize it immediately, resolving the communication errors that caused your problems.
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of GM vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E. It is interchangeable with numerous part numbers, including 24242391, 24234503, 24252114, and many others, ensuring a perfect fit for a variety of applications beyond just the Savana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have this module programmed by a dealer?
No. We program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before shipping. This makes the installation plug-and-play, with no additional programming or dealership visits required.
Where is the TCM located on my 2006-2014 Savana 1500?
On the GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans from this era, the Transmission Control Module is typically found in the engine compartment, mounted on the right-hand (passenger) side.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 is a general transmission fault code, indicating that the TCM has detected a problem. In many cases, a faulty TCM is the root cause, and replacing it will resolve the P0700 code along with other related transmission codes.
Is this a new or used part?
This is a high-quality, OEM-standard component that has been thoroughly inspected and prepared to meet or exceed original factory specifications. It comes with a one-year warranty for your peace of mind.
What happens if I keep driving with a bad TCM?
Continuing to operate your vehicle with a failing TCM can lead to more severe transmission damage. Harsh shifting can cause excessive wear on internal components like clutches and bands, potentially leading to a complete transmission failure that is far more costly to repair.