Restore Your Silverado’s Shifting Performance
If your 2007-2013 Silverado 1500 is suffering from transmission woes, you’re not just dealing with an annoyance—you’re facing a potential breakdown. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless GM trucks come into the bay with symptoms like banging into gear, refusing to shift, or being stuck in limp mode. The culprit is often a failed Transmission Control Module (TCM). This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24234274, is the definitive solution to get your truck’s transmission operating smoothly and reliably again.
The brain of your automatic transmission, this module controls everything from shift points to torque converter lockup. When it fails, communication between the engine and transmission breaks down, leading to poor performance, decreased fuel economy, and dashboard warning lights. This isn’t just a part; it’s the command center for your truck’s powertrain. We make the repair process simple by pre-programming this 2007-2013 Silverado 1500 TCM to your vehicle’s VIN, so it’s ready for installation right out of the box. No trips to the dealer for expensive programming are necessary.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Ghost in the Transmission
A customer brought in his ’09 Sierra, a sister truck to the Silverado, with a frustrating intermittent issue. It would drive perfectly for days, then suddenly refuse to shift past 2nd gear, throwing a P0700 code. He’d already replaced a shift solenoid with no luck. After connecting my scan tool and monitoring live data, I noticed the TCM would intermittently drop communication. Heat soak in the engine bay was causing an internal fault in the module. We installed one of these VIN-programmed T42 modules, and the problem was solved permanently. It’s a classic failure mode for these reliable, but hard-working, trucks.
Is Your Silverado Showing These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ Your truck slams into gear or shifts at the wrong times.
- ✔ The transmission feels like it’s slipping, or there’s a long delay when shifting from Park to Drive.
- ✔ Your vehicle is stuck in a single gear (limp mode) to protect the transmission.
- ✔ The Check Engine Light is on with transmission-specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency or the transmission seems to be running hotter than normal.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the module, preventing shifting altogether.
A Straightforward Guide to Your TCM Swap
One of the best features of this part is how accessible it is for a DIY repair. For most Silverado and Sierra models, you can complete this job in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools. This guide for a 2007-2013 Silverado 1500 TCM is a great starting point.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and help reset the vehicle’s electronic systems.
- Locate the TCM: On most GMT900 trucks (Silverado/Sierra), you’ll find the TCM in the engine compartment, mounted right next to the battery. It’s a silver box with two large electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the two wiring harness connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Securely plug in the two wiring harness connectors until they click, ensuring a solid connection.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s always best practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the system’s memory. Start the engine and test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This T42 TCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions (like the 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E). It interchanges with part numbers 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, and more. While this page focuses on the Silverado, please confirm your model below:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup (2007-2013): Located next to the battery. (2007 models must be new body style).
- Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban / Avalanche 1500 (2007-2009): Located next to the battery.
- GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup (2007-2013): Located next to the battery. (2007 models must be new body style).
- GMC Yukon / Yukon XL 1500 (2007-2009): Located next to the battery.
- Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana Vans (2006-2014): Located in the RH engine compartment.
- Hummer H3 (2008-2010): Located in the RH rear engine compartment.
- …and many other GM cars, trucks, and SUVs from 2006-2014. Please verify your specific model from the full fitment list.