Restore Your Saturn’s Smooth Shifting Performance
If you’re dealing with a 2007-2009 Saturn Aura that’s shifting erratically, banging into gear, or getting stuck in limp mode, the problem is very likely a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As an automotive diagnostician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen this exact issue countless times. The T42 TCM is the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, and when it fails, it creates frustrating and unpredictable driving conditions. This replacement module, part number 24240449, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in their 2008 Saturn Aura complaining of what they called ‘transmission lash.’ It would delay its shift from 1st to 2nd, then slam into gear. They were also getting a persistent Check Engine Light with a generic P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) code. My initial thought was a failing shift solenoid, a common issue. However, after testing the solenoids and wiring harness, everything checked out. The culprit was the TCM itself. Internal circuit degradation was causing it to send erratic signals. We installed one of our VIN-programmed modules, and the car drove like new immediately. This simple swap saved the customer from a potential transmission rebuild, which is where many shops would have gone next.
Is Your Saturn Aura Showing These Transmission Problems?
- ✔ Harsh, jerky, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in one gear (limp mode), often 2nd or 3rd.
- ✔ 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 noticeable drop in fuel economy due to inefficient shifting.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
A Straightforward Guide to Your TCM Installation
For the DIY mechanic, replacing the 2007-2009 Aura TCM is a manageable job you can complete in your driveway in under 30 minutes. No specialized tools are needed.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electronic component replacement.
- Locate the Module: On the Saturn Aura, the TCM is typically mounted on the front of the left-hand (driver’s side) frame rail in the engine bay.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly to avoid damaging them. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. You should hear a ‘click’ as they lock in.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the system. Your repair is complete.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
While this part is a perfect fit for the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura, this versatile T42 TCM is also compatible with a wide range of General Motors vehicles. It is interchangeable with part numbers 24252114, 24234503, 24240449, and more. Please verify your specific model in the list below.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
ENVOY 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
VUE 07-08 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
G5 07-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
LUCERNE 06-07 Transmission; (4.6L), (LH engine compartment)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/hybrid, LH side front engine compartment, (shift control)
VUE 10 Transmission
TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
RENDEZVOUS 06-07 Transmission; (air cleaner box)
SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LUCERNE 08-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
ENVOY 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
PURSUIT 06 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TAHOE 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
ENVOY XL 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
IMPALA 06-11 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
G6 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
HHR 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
TRAILBLAZER 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/o hybrid; (LH front engine compartment)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
GRAND PRIX 06-08 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER EXT 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)