Restore Peak Performance to Your Workhorse Van
If your 2006-2014 GMC Savana 3500 Van is your lifeline, you can’t afford the downtime caused by a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty TCM can bring a reliable work vehicle to a grinding halt. Symptoms like harsh, delayed shifting, getting stuck in limp mode, or an illuminated Check Engine Light can cripple your van’s performance and your daily operations. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct hit to your productivity.
This T42 Transmission Control Module, part number 24243901, is the definitive solution. It arrives at your door fully programmed to your Savana’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming dealership visits. This plug-and-play module is engineered to OEM specifications to restore the precise, smooth shifting and reliable operation you depend on. It directly manages shift points, torque converter lockup, and line pressure, ensuring your 4L80E or other compatible GM transmission functions exactly as it should.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A fleet manager brought in a 2011 Savana 3500 with a complaint that stumped his regular mechanic: intermittent, bone-jarring shifts and occasional loss of power, but no consistent trouble codes. After a test drive, I suspected the TCM. On the lift, we found no mechanical issues. Instead of throwing parts at it, we ordered a VIN-programmed TCM. The installation took less than 20 minutes. The result? The van shifted like new. The intermittent electrical faults within the old module were causing the unpredictable behavior. This simple swap saved the company from a potential transmission rebuild and got their essential vehicle back in service the same day.
Is Your Savana Van Showing These Transmission Red Flags?
A failing TCM often gives clear warning signs. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs replacement. Addressing it promptly can prevent further damage to your transmission.
- ✔ Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in a single 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 sudden drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip or fails to engage properly from a stop.
Get Your Work Van Back on the Road: A 30-Minute Install Guide
Replacing the 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM is a straightforward job that most DIYers or any professional technician can complete quickly. No specialized tools are required.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the system.
- Locate the Module: On the Savana 3500, the TCM is typically found in the engine compartment 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: Mount the new, VIN-programmed TCM in place and tighten the bolts. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the critical setup, it’s good practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the vehicle’s memory. Start the engine and test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Verified Fitment for Your General Motors Vehicle
This module is a direct-fit replacement for a wide array of GM vehicles. While this page focuses on the 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM, it is also compatible with the following models. Please verify your vehicle and options below.
- ✔ GMC: Savana 1500/2500/3500, Sierra 1500/2500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Envoy, Canyon
- ✔ Chevrolet: Express 1500/2500/3500, Silverado 1500/2500, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Impala, Monte Carlo, HHR, Cobalt, Colorado, SSR
- ✔ 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, 24243921, 24255280, 24256960, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “VIN Programmed” mean for me?
It means this module is ready for installation right out of the box. We load your vehicle’s specific VIN onto the module before shipping, so it communicates perfectly with your van’s engine and transmission. This lets you skip a trip to the dealership for programming.
Do I need to send my old TCM back (core charge)?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep or dispose of your old module without any extra hassle or fees.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 code is a general fault request from the TCM to the main engine computer (ECM) to turn on the Check Engine Light. Often, a failing TCM is the root cause. Replacing the module with our pre-programmed unit typically resolves the underlying issues that trigger a P0700 code.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
For most individuals with basic mechanical skills, this is a very manageable repair. The module is easily accessible in the engine bay, and the process involves simple hand tools. Our step-by-step guide above should walk you through it in under 30 minutes.