Restore Flawless Shifting to Your Chevy Colorado
If your 2008-2012 Chevrolet Colorado is suffering from erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission codes, the culprit is often a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, a faulty TCM can make your reliable truck feel unpredictable and unsafe. Don’t let a small electronic component lead to a major transmission headache. This direct-fit T42 TCM, part number 24238856, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your truck’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Case of the Hesitant Colorado
A customer brought in his ’11 Colorado complaining of a harsh 1-2 shift and intermittent refusal to shift out of 3rd gear, especially after it warmed up. The check engine light was on, and my scan tool pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a P0752 (Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Stuck On). While solenoid failure is possible, my experience with these trucks pointed me straight to the TCM. Heat soak in the engine bay often causes internal solder joints in the original module to fail, leading to these exact intermittent electrical faults. Instead of a costly transmission teardown, we installed one of our VIN-programmed T42 modules. The entire job took less than 20 minutes. After a quick battery disconnect to reset adaptations and clearing the codes, the truck shifted like it just rolled off the factory floor. It’s a classic fix that saves hundreds in diagnostic time and unnecessary part replacements.
Is Your Colorado Showing These Telltale Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t always mean total failure. It often starts with frustrating, intermittent issues. Here’s what to look for:
- ✔ Harsh, clunky, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔ The truck is stuck in “limp mode” (usually second or third gear).
- ✔ An illuminated Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P0700, P0750, P0751, P0755, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy due to incorrect gear selection.
DIY Installation: A 30-Minute Fix for Your Colorado
One of the best features of this module is that it eliminates the need for a trip to the dealership for programming. With basic hand tools, you can get your truck back to perfect working order right in your own driveway. The 2008-2012 Colorado Transmission Module is designed for a straightforward swap.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your truck’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the vehicle’s electronic systems.
- Locate the Module: On the 2008-2012 Colorado and Canyon, the TCM is typically found in the engine compartment, on the right-hand (passenger side) rear area.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new VIN-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses. Ensure they click into place.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the truck and allow it to idle for a few minutes. If you have a basic scan tool, use it to clear any stored fault codes. Take the truck for a test drive to confirm smooth shifting.
Verified Fitment Across the GM Family
While this is the ideal solution for your Colorado, this T42 TCM is also compatible with a wide range of other GM vehicles. Please verify your specific model and part number. This module is a direct replacement for part numbers 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, 24234274, 24235340, 24235754, 24238856, and more.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options:
COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
EXPRESS VANS 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)
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 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA VANS 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA PICKUPS 07-13 Transmission; (next to battery, check options)
SILVERADO PICKUPS 07-13 Transmission; (next to battery, check options)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery, check options)
VUE 07-10 Transmission; (check engine/hybrid options)
YUKON & YUKON XL 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery, check options)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take this part to a dealer for programming?
No. We program the module to your vehicle’s VIN before shipping. It arrives ready for installation, saving you time and the high cost of dealership programming.
Is this a difficult part to install for a DIYer?
Not at all. For a 2008-2012 Colorado, it’s one of the more accessible modules. With basic tools, most people can complete the installation in under 30 minutes. Just locate it, swap the part, and reconnect the battery.
Will this fix a P0700 check engine light code?
Yes, in many cases. The P0700 code is a general fault request from the TCM. If the TCM itself is the source of the problem (which is very common), replacing it with this programmed unit will resolve the code and the underlying issue.
Is there a core charge for my old part?
No, there is no core charge. You can keep your old part or dispose of it without the hassle of shipping it back to us.