If your 2006-2014 GMC Savana 3500 work van is giving you trouble with harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, you’re not just inconveniencedâyou’re losing time and money. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I know that for a workhorse like the Savana, reliability isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. A faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) is often the culprit behind these frustrating and costly issues. This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24241806, is the definitive solution to restore your van’s performance and get you back on the job without a trip to the dealership.
Case Study: The Contractor’s Conundrum
I once had a fleet of Savana 3500s from a local plumbing company come through my shop over a few months. Each driver reported the same thing: intermittent, bone-jarring shifts and the van occasionally refusing to shift past 2nd gear. They’d already replaced solenoids on one van with no luck. After hooking up my scanner, I saw communication errors and a P0700 code. The issue wasn’t mechanical; it was the TCM. Heat cycles and vibrations in the engine bay had taken their toll on the electronics. Installing a VIN-programmed Savana 3500 Transmission Module in each van solved the problem instantly, saving them thousands in diagnostic fees and downtime across their fleet.
Is Your Savana Van Exhibiting These Transmission Problems?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs replacement:
- â Abrupt, harsh, or delayed gear changes that make driving unpleasant and unsafe.
- â The vehicle enters “limp mode,” often getting stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear.
- â Your check engine light or transmission warning light is illuminated, with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults.
- â Complete failure to upshift or downshift, leading to poor acceleration and terrible fuel economy.
- â The transmission seems to slip out of gear or struggles to engage when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
Straightforward Installation to Get Your Van Moving
One of the biggest advantages of this module is its plug-and-play design. We handle the programming, so you can handle the installation in your own garage or workshop in under 30 minutes. For the Savana 3500 Transmission Module, the location is consistent and accessible.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal on your van’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the Module: On the Savana 2500/3500, you’ll find the TCM in the engine compartment, mounted on the right-hand (passenger) side.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Be gentle with the locking tabs. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed module 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 pre-programmed, it’s always best practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the vehicle’s memory.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This T42 TCM is a direct replacement for part number 24241806 and is interchangeable with many other service numbers. It is guaranteed to fit the following vehicles and configurations:
- SAVANA 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
- AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
- CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
- COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
- DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
- ENVOY 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
- ENVOY 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
- ENVOY XL 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
- EXPRESS 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- EXPRESS 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- EXPRESS 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- G5 07-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- G6 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- GRAND PRIX 06-08 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- HHR 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
- HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
- IMPALA 06-11 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
- LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- LUCERNE 06-07 Transmission; (4.6L), (LH engine compartment)
- LUCERNE 08-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
- MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
- MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- PURSUIT 06 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
- RENDEZVOUS 06-07 Transmission; (air cleaner box)
- SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
- SAVANA 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- SAVANA 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
- SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
- SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
- SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
- SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
- TAHOE 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
- TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
- TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- TRAILBLAZER 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
- TRAILBLAZER 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
- TRAILBLAZER EXT 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
- UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- VUE 07-08 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
- VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
- VUE 10 Transmission
- YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
- YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
- YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
- YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is VIN programming and why does it matter?
VIN programming means we load your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the latest GM software onto the module before we ship it. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your van’s engine computer and other systems, just like the original part. It eliminates the need for expensive programming at a dealership, making the installation truly plug-and-play.
Will this fix a transmission that is stuck in limp mode?
Yes, in most cases. Limp mode (usually being stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear) is a protective measure triggered by the vehicle’s computer when it detects a major fault. A failing TCM is one of the most common causes. Replacing it with this pre-programmed module will restore normal communication and allow the transmission to shift through all gears correctly.
Do I need any special tools for this installation?
No special tools are required. You’ll only need basic hand tools, such as a socket set to remove the module’s mounting bolts and a wrench for the battery terminal. An OBD2 scanner is recommended to clear codes after installation, but it is not strictly necessary for the part to function.
Is there a core charge for this Savana 3500 Transmission Module?
No, there is no core charge. You are not required to send your old, faulty module back to us, which saves you time and return shipping costs.
What kind of warranty comes with this part?
This transmission control module is backed by a one-year, hassle-free warranty. We stand behind the quality of our programmed electronics to give you peace of mind with your repair.