If your 2007-2009 Saturn Aura is suffering from erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or has the check engine light on with transmission codes, you’re likely dealing with a failed Transmission Control Module (TCM). As a mechanic with over two decades of diagnostic experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty TCM can make a perfectly good car feel unreliable and unsafe. The TCM is the brain of your automatic transmission, and when it fails, the symptoms can be frustrating and confusing. This isn’t just a part; it’s the solution to getting your car’s drivability and your peace of mind back.
This T42 Transmission Control Module is a direct-fit replacement for your vehicle, arriving expertly programmed to your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This means you can skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It’s a true plug-and-play fix designed to restore precise gear changes, proper torque converter lockup, and reliable communication between your engine and transmission. We take the guesswork out of the repair so you can get back on the road with confidence.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2008 Saturn Aura with a classic complaint: intermittent, harsh 1-2 shifts and occasionally getting stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode). The local shop had already replaced a shift solenoid, but the problem returned a week later. After scanning, I found a generic P0700 code. Instead of just throwing more parts at it, I monitored the live data from the TCM. I noticed the command signals were dropping out intermittently, a tell-tale sign of internal module failure, not a faulty solenoid. We installed a VIN-programmed 2007-2009 Aura TCM, and the car has been shifting perfectly ever since. This saved the customer hundreds in wasted labor and parts.
Is Your Saturn Aura Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM often mimics other transmission problems. Here are the most common symptoms I’ve diagnosed that point directly to the module:
- ✔ Harsh, slamming, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔ The 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-related faults.
- ✔ A sudden drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip between gears or fails to engage from Park.
Your 30-Minute Installation Guide
Replacing the 2007-2009 Aura TCM is a straightforward job that most DIYers can handle with basic tools. For the Saturn Aura, the module is typically located on the left-hand front frame rail.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- Locate the Module: Find the TCM on the front portion of the driver’s side frame rail. It’s a silver box with electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unclip the wiring harnesses. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New TCM: Bolt the new, pre-programmed module into place and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the setup, it’s good practice to use a basic OBD2 scanner to clear any stored fault codes from the vehicle’s memory.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for part number 24234274 and interchanges with several other GM service numbers. It is engineered for a wide array of GM vehicles, including but not limited to:
- Saturn Aura: 2007-2009 (Located on LH frame rail front)
- Chevrolet Cobalt & Pontiac G5/G6: 2006-2010 (Located on LH strut tower)
- Chevrolet Impala & Monte Carlo: 2006-2011 (Located in lower air cleaner housing)
- Chevrolet HHR: 2006-2011 (Located in LH engine compartment)
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2006-2010 (Located on LH frame rail)
- Saturn Vue: 2007-2010 (Location varies by engine/drivetrain)
- …and many other GM cars, trucks, and SUVs from 2006-2014. Please verify your specific model in the detailed fitment list.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2007-2009 Aura TCM
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do any programming after installation?
No. This module comes fully programmed to your vehicle’s VIN. It is ready for installation right out of the box, saving you a trip to the dealer.
Is a core charge required?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part without any extra hassle or cost.
What if this doesn’t fix my problem?
While this part resolves the most common transmission issues, a vehicle’s shifting performance can be affected by other factors like fluid level, solenoids, or mechanical wear. Our pre-programmed TCM helps you confidently rule out the module as the source of the problem.
What tools do I need for the installation?
For most applications, including the Saturn Aura, you’ll only need a basic socket set and possibly a small flathead screwdriver to help release the connector clips. No specialized tools are required.
How do I provide my VIN for programming?
You will be prompted to enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN during the checkout process. We cannot ship the part without this information, as the programming is essential for it to function.