Restore the Signature Smoothness to Your Cadillac
The Cadillac DTS is known for its effortless power and luxurious ride. When the transmission starts acting up—with harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or sudden lurches—it ruins that entire experience. More often than not, the culprit isn’t a catastrophic mechanical failure, but a faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these modules fail due to heat cycles and electronic wear, causing immense frustration for owners. This VIN-programmed T42 TCM is the definitive solution, designed to restore the precise, smooth shifting your DTS was built for, without a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealership.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We handle the complex part by programming the module to your vehicle’s specific VIN before it ships. This ensures that all factory shift points, torque converter lockup strategies, and communication protocols are perfectly matched to your car. For a professional mechanic, this means faster bay turnover. For the DIY enthusiast, it means a confident, straightforward repair you can perform in your own garage.
Is Your Cadillac DTS Showing These Symptoms?
A failing TCM will give you clear warning signs. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s highly likely your transmission module needs replacement. Ignoring these can lead to more significant transmission wear and damage.
- ✔ Hard, erratic, or delayed gear shifts that disrupt the car’s ride.
- ✔ The vehicle gets stuck in a single gear (often called “limp mode”).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated on the dash.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) or various solenoid-related codes (e.g., P0750-P0758).
- ✔ A noticeable decrease in fuel economy due to inefficient gear changes.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the module, leading to a no-shift condition.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Shifting Mystery
A 2008 Cadillac DTS came into my shop with a complaint that stumped two other mechanics. The owner described random, violent downshifts on the highway, but by the time he got to a shop, the car would behave perfectly. There were no stored codes. I suspected the TCM, as heat can cause intermittent failures in these electronics. I let the car idle for 45 minutes to get the engine bay nice and hot and then took it for a drive. Sure enough, the 2-1 downshift felt like a rear-end collision. We replaced the original module with a pre-programmed 2006-2011 DTS TCM, and the problem was solved instantly. The thermal failure inside the old unit was untraceable when cold, but a critical failure point on the road.
Plug-and-Play Installation: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Installing your new 2006-2011 DTS TCM is a straightforward process that can typically be completed in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools. This module is specifically located in the right-hand (passenger side) front of the engine compartment on the Cadillac DTS.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electronic component replacement. This prevents electrical shorts and helps reset the vehicle’s adaptive memory.
- Locate the TCM: Open the hood and find the TCM on the right-hand side of the engine compartment. It’s a silver box with electrical connectors.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical harnesses from the old module. Press the release tabs firmly to avoid damaging the clips. Once disconnected, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Reconnect the electrical harnesses, ensuring they click securely into position.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s always best practice to use a standard OBD2 scan tool to check for and clear any lingering fault codes from the system. Start the vehicle and enjoy your restored, smooth-shifting transmission.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
While this page focuses on the Cadillac DTS, this T42 TCM is compatible with a wide range of General Motors vehicles. Please verify your specific model and year from the list below. The location of the module may vary by model.
- ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- 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)
- MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
- MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
- 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 08-13 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 08-13 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 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery)
- 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
- VUE 10 Transmission
- YUKON 07-09 Transmission; (next to battery)
- YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this part truly plug-and-play?
Yes. We program the module to the VIN you provide during checkout. This ensures it communicates correctly with your vehicle’s other systems, like the Engine Control Module and Body Control Module, right out of the box.
Do I need to send my old TCM back?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep or dispose of your old module, saving you the hassle and cost of return shipping.
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 faulty TCM is the root cause, and replacing it will resolve the code. However, you should always ensure there are no other issues, like bad wiring or faulty solenoids, before ordering.
What if I have a different part number on my original module?
This module, 24241806, is a direct replacement for many other service numbers, including 24252114, 24234503, 24230461, and more. As long as your vehicle is on the compatibility list, this part will function correctly.
What kind of warranty is included?
This module is backed by a one-year, hassle-free warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your repair.