Tired of Erratic Shifting in Your Pontiac G5?
As a mechanic with two decades of experience under the hood, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles, including the Pontiac G5, come into the shop with frustrating transmission issues. Drivers complain about sudden harsh shifts, getting stuck in one gear, or a check engine light that just won’t go away. More often than not, the culprit is a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). The T42 TCM is the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, and when it starts to fail, it can make your car feel unreliable and unsafe. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical component for your car’s performance and longevity.
This is a direct-fit, OEM-quality replacement for your faulty unit. We take the guesswork and dealership hassle out of the equation by pre-programming this 2007-2010 G5 Transmission Module to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This ensures that the moment you install it, your car’s computer system recognizes it, restoring the precise, smooth shifting you expect. It’s designed to resolve common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) right out of the box, getting you back on the road quickly and affordably.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in a 2008 Pontiac G5 with classic symptoms: intermittent harsh 1-2 shifts and occasionally getting stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode). They had already replaced two shift solenoids based on a generic code reading, but the problem persisted. After a quick scan, I saw the tell-tale P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) code, but the solenoid codes were intermittent. In my experience, when you see electrical gremlins like this that don’t point to a consistent mechanical fault, the TCM is the primary suspect. The internal circuits on these modules can develop micro-fractures from years of heat and vibration, leading to unpredictable behavior. We installed one of our VIN-programmed T42 modules, and the car shifted perfectly on the test drive. The customer saved hundreds by avoiding further incorrect parts and diagnostic time.
Is Your Pontiac G5 Exhibiting These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ The transmission slams into gear or shifts erratically and unpredictably.
- ✔ Your vehicle is stuck in “limp mode,” refusing to shift out of 2nd or 3rd gear.
- ✔ The Check Engine Light or a transmission warning light is on, with codes like P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy or the transmission seems to be overheating.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
Your Straightforward 30-Minute Installation Guide
- ✔ Safety First: Before you begin, disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- ✔ Locate the TCM: On the 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, the Transmission Control Module is conveniently located on the driver’s side strut tower in the engine bay. It’s a silver box with electrical connectors.
- ✔ Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical harnesses from the old module. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket. Keep the mounting hardware, as you will reuse it.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed TCM onto the bracket using the original hardware. Securely plug in the electrical connectors until they click into place.
- ✔ Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s always good practice to use a basic OBD-II scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the ECU. Take the car for a test drive to confirm the smooth shifting performance.
Verified Fitment Across the GM Family
While this is a perfect solution for the Pontiac G5, this T42 TCM is also compatible with a wide array of other GM vehicles that use the 4L60E, 4L65E, and similar 4-speed automatic transmissions. This includes popular models such as:
- Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Tahoe
- GMC Sierra, Yukon, Savana, Canyon
- Buick LaCrosse, Lucerne, Allure
- Saturn Aura, Ion, Vue
- Pontiac G6, Grand Prix
- And many more from 2006-2014. This part is interchangeable with service numbers 24242391, 24252114, 24234503, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this module really not require a trip to the dealer?
That’s correct! We program the module to your car’s VIN before shipping. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your vehicle’s other systems, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
What tools do I need for installation?
Installation is simple. You’ll typically only need a basic socket set to remove the mounting bolts and a flathead screwdriver to help release the clips on the electrical connectors. No specialized tools are required.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part or recycle it locally, saving you the time and hassle of a return shipment.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 code is a general fault code indicating the TCM has detected a problem. In many cases where the TCM itself is the source of the failure, replacing it with our programmed module will resolve the P0700 and any related codes.
What if I have questions during installation?
Our team of experts is here to help. If you run into any issues or have questions, you can contact our support team for guidance. We stand behind our products with a one-year warranty for your peace of mind.