Restore Crisp, Reliable Shifting to Your 2008-2012 Chevrolet Colorado
If you’re dealing with the frustration of a transmission that won’t shift correctly, gets stuck in gear, or triggers warning lights on your dash, you’re not alone. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the brain of your automatic transmission, and when it fails, it can cause a host of problems that make your truck feel unreliable. This T42 TCM, part number YNXS, is the definitive solution for your 2008-2012 Colorado TCM issues. We pre-program it to your truck’s specific VIN, so it arrives ready for a true plug-and-play installation, getting you back on the road without an expensive trip to the dealership.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Shifting Nightmare
I once had a 2011 Colorado in the bay that was a diagnostic headache. The owner complained of random, violent downshifts on the highway and occasional delayed engagement from a stop. Of course, it behaved perfectly during my test drives. No consistent codes, just a stored generic P0700. After checking wiring and fluid, experience pointed to the TCM. Heat soak was causing intermittent failures inside the module’s circuitry. We installed a VIN-programmed T42, and the problem vanished instantly. The customer called a week later, thrilled that his truck drove like new again. These modules are often the root cause of those ghost-in-the-machine transmission problems.
Is Your Colorado Exhibiting These Transmission Issues?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. As a technician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen these symptoms hundreds of times. If your truck is showing any of these signs, a faulty TCM is the most likely culprit.
- ✔ Unpredictable, harsh, or jerky gear shifts.
- ✔ The transmission seems to slip between gears or struggles to engage.
- ✔ Your truck is stuck in “limp mode” (usually 2nd or 3rd gear).
- ✔ The Check Engine Light or a dedicated transmission warning light is on.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) or various solenoid codes (e.g., P0750, P0753, P0758).
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy due to inefficient shifting.
- ✔ Complete failure to shift up or down.
Your Straightforward 30-Minute Installation Guide
One of the best parts about this module is its ease of installation. For the 2008-2012 Colorado and GMC Canyon, you can do this job with basic hand tools in your own driveway.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- Locate the TCM: On your Colorado or Canyon, the TCM is located in the engine compartment, typically on the right-hand (passenger) side towards the rear of the engine bay.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. Press the release tabs firmly. 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 let it idle for a few minutes. If you have a basic scan tool, it’s good practice to clear any lingering fault codes from the system.
Verified Fitment For These GM Models
This T42 TCM is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your model and the module location noted below. This part is interchangeable with service numbers 24242391, 24234503, 24252114, YNXS, and others.
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
ENVOY 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
ENVOY XL 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
G5 07-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
G6 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
GRAND PRIX 06-08 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
HHR 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
IMPALA 06-11 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LUCERNE 06-07 Transmission; (4.6L), (LH engine compartment)
LUCERNE 08-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
PURSUIT 06 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
RENDEZVOUS 06-07 Transmission; (air cleaner box)
SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
TRAILBLAZER 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
TRAILBLAZER EXT 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
VUE 07-08 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/hybrid, LH side front engine compartment, (shift control)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/o hybrid; (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 10 Transmission
YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
Do I need to have this TCM programmed by a dealer?
Do I need to have this TCM programmed by a dealer?
No. This is the biggest benefit we offer. We program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before it ships, so it’s ready to install right out of the box. This saves you hundreds of dollars and the hassle of a dealership visit.
What is the difference between a TCM and an ECM?
The ECM (Engine Control Module) is the main computer for the engine, managing fuel, spark, and emissions. The TCM (Transmission Control Module) is a dedicated computer that controls only the automatic transmission’s functions, like when to shift gears and operate the torque converter.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
A P0700 code is a generic fault code indicating that the TCM has detected a problem and has requested the check engine light to be turned on. While this module will often resolve the root cause, it’s important to scan for other, more specific transmission codes (like those for solenoids or sensors) to confirm the diagnosis. In many cases, a faulty TCM is the source of the P0700 code.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, we do not require a core charge. You can keep your old part, which saves you the time and expense of shipping it back.