Restore Your Truck’s Shifting Performance
If your 2008-2012 Chevrolet Colorado is suffering from harsh shifts, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, you’re not alone. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless GM trucks come into the bay with these exact issues. The culprit is almost always a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). This critical component is the brain of your automatic transmission, and when it starts to fail, it can make your reliable truck feel unpredictable and unsafe. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a problem that affects drivability and can lead to more expensive transmission damage if ignored.
This T42 series TCM is the definitive solution for your vehicle. It’s a direct-fit replacement for part number 24235732, engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. The most significant benefit? We pre-program it to your truck’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before it ships. This means you can skip the expensive trip to the dealership for programming. It arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, restoring the crisp, smooth shifting you expect from your Colorado.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Limp-Mode Colorado
A customer brought in his 2011 Colorado, frustrated because it was stuck in what he called ‘crawler gear’—what we know as limp mode (stuck in 3rd). The check engine light was on, and his scanner pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a P0752 (Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Stuck On). He’d already replaced the solenoid, but the problem persisted. This is a classic TCM failure scenario. The module’s internal circuits had failed, sending faulty signals. We installed one of our VIN-programmed TCMs, cleared the codes, and the truck was shifting perfectly on the test drive. He saved hundreds by avoiding a dealership diagnosis and programming fee.
Is Your Colorado Exhibiting These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t always mean a complete transmission failure. Catching the symptoms early can save you from a costly repair down the road. Look out for these common indicators:
- ✔ Harsh, slamming, or erratic gear changes.
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in one gear (limp mode) and will not upshift or downshift.
- ✔ The check engine light or transmission warning light is illuminated.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750-P0758, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ A noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔ The transmission seems to be slipping between gears.
Your 30-Minute Path to a Smooth-Shifting Colorado
Replacing the 2008-2012 Colorado TCM is a straightforward job that most DIYers can complete in their own driveway with basic hand tools. Because our modules are pre-programmed, there are no complex steps required.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the Module: On the 2008-2012 Colorado and GMC Canyon, you’ll find the TCM in the engine compartment, mounted on the right-hand (passenger side) rear area.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old TCM. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New TCM: Mount the new module securely onto the bracket and plug in the electrical connectors. Ensure they click into place.
- Reconnect and Verify: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and check to ensure the warning lights are off and the transmission shifts smoothly through all gears during a test drive. Using a basic scan tool to clear any stored codes is recommended.
Verified Fitment for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and year below. This part is interchangeable with service numbers such as 24242391, 24252114, 24234503, and others.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
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)
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
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)
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ mean for me?
It means the module arrives ready to install. We load the latest GM software specific to your truck’s VIN, so it communicates perfectly with your vehicle’s systems right out of the box. You don’t need any special tools or a trip to the dealership for programming.
Do I need to do anything after installing it?
No additional programming is needed. After installation, we recommend clearing any old trouble codes with a standard OBD2 scanner to ensure the system is reset. Then, perform a test drive to confirm the repair.
Where is the TCM on my 2010 Chevy Colorado?
For the 2008-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the Transmission Control Module is located in the engine bay, on the rear passenger side (RH side).
Will this fix a P0700 code on my truck?
A P0700 code is a general fault code indicating the TCM has detected a problem. While this module often resolves the root cause (like internal shorts or failed drivers that trigger other codes), you should always diagnose any related codes (like solenoid faults) to ensure there isn’t another issue. In many cases, a faulty TCM is the primary problem.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You are not required to send your old, faulty module back to us, saving you time and shipping costs.