If your 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous is suffering from harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or throwing transmission-related check engine lights, you’ve likely pinpointed the culprit: a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As an automotive diagnostics expert with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty TCM can make a perfectly good vehicle feel unreliable and unsafe. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a core performance issue that compromises your driving experience. This T42 series TCM is the definitive solution, engineered to restore the precise, smooth operation your Rendezvous was built for.
The beauty of this module lies in its simplicity. We handle the complex part for you by programming it directly to your vehicle’s VIN before it ships. This means no expensive trips to the dealership for coding or flashing. It’s a true plug-and-play repair that a confident DIYer or any professional mechanic can complete quickly, getting your vehicle out of limp mode and back to performing as it should. Don’t let a small electronic module sideline your entire vehicle or lead you to believe you need a costly transmission overhaul. A replacement 2006-2007 Rendezvous TCM is often the most direct and economical path to a lasting repair.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Rendezvous That Dodged a Rebuild
A customer brought in their ’06 Rendezvous a few years back with a classic complaint: intermittent, violent gear shifts and the transmission warning light on. They were convinced the transmission was shot and were bracing for a multi-thousand dollar bill. After hooking up my scan tool, I pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a few solenoid circuit codes. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I checked the TCM. In these vehicles, the TCM is located under the air cleaner box, where it’s susceptible to heat and vibration. Sure enough, after swapping in a pre-programmed TCM, all the codes cleared and the vehicle shifted like new. It was a 30-minute, sub-four-hundred-dollar fix that saved the customer from a completely unnecessary transmission replacement. It’s a textbook example of why proper diagnosis is key.
Is Your Buick Rendezvous Showing These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ Harsh, slamming shifts or delayed gear engagement.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in a single gear (often called “limp mode”).
- ✔ The check engine light or transmission warning light is illuminated.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-specific faults are present.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy due to inefficient shifting.
- ✔ Complete failure to shift up or down between gears.
A Straightforward Guide to Your Rendezvous TCM Swap
Installing your new 2006-2007 Rendezvous TCM is a manageable job for most home mechanics. For this specific model, the module is conveniently located under the air cleaner assembly.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- Access the Module: Remove the engine cover and the air cleaner box assembly. This will expose the Transmission Control Module.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old TCM. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the New TCM: Mount your new, pre-programmed TCM onto the bracket and securely fasten the bolts. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click into place.
- Reassemble and Finalize: Reinstall the air cleaner box and engine cover. Reconnect the battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s good practice to use a scan tool to clear any stored historical fault codes.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module, part number 24234503, is the correct fit for the 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous. It is also a direct replacement for a wide range of other GM vehicles that use the T42 TCM, including:
- Buick Allure, LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rainier
- Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Silverado, Tahoe
- GMC Envoy, Sierra, Yukon
- Pontiac G5, G6, Grand Prix
- Saturn Aura, Ion, Vue
- And many more. Always verify fitment by part number for 100% confidence.
Do I need to get this TCM programmed by a dealer?
Do I need to get this TCM programmed by a dealer?
No. This is the biggest benefit of our service. We program the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before shipping, so it’s ready for immediate installation right out of the box. This saves you time and the high cost of dealership programming.
Where is the TCM located on my 2006 Buick Rendezvous?
On the 2006-2007 Buick Rendezvous, the Transmission Control Module is located in the engine compartment, mounted underneath the air cleaner box assembly.
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, a failing TCM is the root cause, and replacing it will resolve the P0700 and any related specific codes (like for shift solenoids). However, you should always ensure the wiring and transmission components are in good condition.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge required for this module. You can keep your old part without any hassle or need to ship it back, simplifying the repair process for you.