Get Your Workhorse Back on the Job with a Reliable Transmission Solution
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I know that when a work van like the 2006-2014 GMC Savana 2500 goes down, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a direct hit to your business. Erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or a glowing check engine light can often point to a complete transmission failure, but many times, the real culprit is a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM). Before you consider an expensive and time-consuming transmission replacement, let’s talk about the brain of the operation: the T42 TCM.
This OEM-quality T42 Transmission Control Module, part number 24235754, is the definitive fix for a host of transmission-related issues plaguing GM vehicles. It governs everything from shift points and line pressure to torque converter clutch engagement. A failing module can cause symptoms that are easily mistaken for internal transmission damage. This replacement part is pre-programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), ensuring it works perfectly right out of the box, with no need for a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
I remember a fleet manager bringing in a 2011 Savana 2500. The van was stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode) and had a P0700 code. His regular mechanic quoted him for a full transmission rebuild. I hooked up my professional scan tool and saw communication errors with the TCM. Instead of a multi-thousand dollar repair, we swapped in a VIN-programmed T42 module. In under an hour, the van was shifting perfectly, codes were cleared, and it was back on the road making money. It’s a classic case where diagnosing the electronics first saved the customer a fortune.
Is Your Savana Van Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need. In my shop, these are the most common complaints that lead back to a bad 2006-2014 Savana 2500 Van TCM.
- ✔ Harsh, slamming shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- ✔ 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, or other solenoid-specific codes.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel economy or transmission overheating.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
For the Savana and Express vans, this is one of the easier electronic component replacements. You don’t need a vehicle lift or specialized transmission tools. The entire process should take less than 30 minutes.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the system.
- Locate the TCM: On the 2006-2014 Savana 2500 Van, the TCM is typically found in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. Press the release tabs firmly. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, VIN-programmed TCM into place. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely into position.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes from the computer’s memory. Take the van for a test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This T42 TCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L80E. While this page focuses on the 2006-2014 Savana 2500 Van TCM, it also fits the models listed below. It is interchangeable with part numbers 24252114, 24234503, 24235754, and others.
- GMC Savana / Chevrolet Express (1500, 2500, 3500): 2006-2014
- GMC Sierra / Chevrolet Silverado (1500, 2500): 2007-2013 (Check specific options)
- GMC Yukon / Chevrolet Tahoe: 2007-2009
- Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon: 2008-2012
- Hummer H3: 2008-2010
- Chevrolet Impala / Monte Carlo: 2006-2011
- …and many other GM cars, trucks, and SUVs. Please verify your part number or contact us with your VIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “VIN Programmed” mean for me?
It means we load your vehicle’s specific VIN onto the module before shipping. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your van’s other computers (like the ECM and BCM) for optimal shift patterns and performance, eliminating the need for dealership programming.
Is a core charge required for my old TCM?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part, saving you the time and hassle of shipping it back.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 is a generic code indicating the TCM has detected a fault. While this module often resolves the root cause (like an internal short), you should scan for other, more specific P-codes (e.g., P0753) to confirm the diagnosis. A faulty TCM is a very common cause for this code.
Do I need any special tools for this installation?
No special tools are required. Basic hand tools, such as a socket set to remove the mounting bolts, are all you need. The entire job can be done in your driveway or shop bay in under 30 minutes.
How can I be sure the TCM is the problem and not the transmission itself?
TCM failure often presents as erratic electrical issues: communication loss, multiple solenoid codes at once, or getting stuck in gear. Internal transmission failures are typically more mechanical, often accompanied by noises like grinding, whining, or slipping with no gear engagement at all. If the fluid is clean and the symptoms are purely electronic, the TCM is the most likely suspect.