Get Your Workhorse Back on the Job with a Reliable Transmission Fix
If your 2006-2014 GMC Savana 3500 Van is suffering from erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, you know how frustrating it can be. A faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) can bring your work to a standstill. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a failing TCM can mimic more severe transmission problems, leading to costly and unnecessary repairs. This OEM-quality T42 TCM, part number 24235753, is the direct, dependable solution to restore your van’s performance and get you back on the road without the dealership hassle.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A local delivery business brought in their Savana 3500 with a complaint that stumped two other shops. The van would randomly refuse to upshift past 3rd gear, but only after it was fully warmed up. There were no consistent trouble codes, just a generic P0700 every now and then. After checking wiring and solenoids, we focused on the TCM. Heat exposure in the engine bay, especially on a hard-working van, can cause internal solder joints in these modules to fail intermittently. We swapped in a VIN-programmed T42 module, and the problem vanished instantly. It’s a classic failure I’ve diagnosed hundreds of times, and this part is the reliable fix.
Is Your Savana 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, your TCM is the likely culprit:
- ✔ Harsh, banging shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- ✔ The vehicle is stuck in “limp mode” (usually second or third gear).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0750, P0753, P0758, or other solenoid-related faults are present.
- ✔ Poor acceleration and a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The transmission seems to hunt for gears or won’t shift at all.
A Straightforward Installation for Your Savana Van
One of the best features of this module is that it’s designed for a straightforward swap. You don’t need a lift or specialized transmission tools. For your 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM, the process is simple and can be done in your driveway in under 30 minutes.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electronic work.
- Locate the Module: On the Savana and Express vans, the TCM is typically mounted in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unclip the wiring harness connectors. 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 wiring harnesses. You’ll hear a click when they are properly seated.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s good practice to use a basic OBD2 scanner to clear any stored fault codes from the system.
Expert Pro Tip
Expert Pro Tip
Before you install the new TCM, take a moment to inspect the connector pins on both the module and the vehicle’s harness. Look for any signs of corrosion (green or white powder) or bent pins. A poor connection is a common point of failure. Using a small amount of dielectric grease on the connector seals can help prevent future moisture intrusion—a must for work vans that see all weather conditions.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This T42 Transmission Control Module is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions (like the 4L60E, 4L65E, & 4L80E). While this page focuses on the 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM, it is also confirmed to fit the following models. Please verify your specific application.
- GMC: Savana 1500/2500/3500 Van (06-14), Sierra 1500/2500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Envoy, Canyon
- Chevrolet: Express 1500/2500/3500 Van (06-14), Silverado 1500/2500, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Impala, Cobalt, HHR, Colorado
- Buick: LaCrosse, Lucerne, Allure, Rainier, Rendezvous
- Cadillac: DTS
- Pontiac: G5, G6, Grand Prix, Pursuit
- Saturn: Vue, Aura, Ion
- Hummer: H3
- Saab: 9-7X
This part is interchangeable with service numbers: 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, 24234274, 24235340, 24235754, 24238856, 24239224, 24239926, 24240400, 24241806, 24243901, 24243921, 24255280, 24256960, 24235732, and YNXS.
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ mean for my Savana?
Expert Pro Tip
Before you install the new TCM, take a moment to inspect the connector pins on both the module and the vehicle’s harness. Look for any signs of corrosion (green or white powder) or bent pins. A poor connection is a common point of failure. Using a small amount of dielectric grease on the connector seals can help prevent future moisture intrusion—a must for work vans that see all weather conditions.