Get Your Work Van Back on the Job with a Reliable Transmission Fix
If your 2006-2014 GMC Savana 3500 is your livelihood, you can’t afford the downtime that comes with transmission problems. Hard shifting, getting stuck in gear, or a glowing check engine light can mean lost jobs and lost income. Before you consider an expensive and time-consuming transmission overhaul, consider the brain of the operation: the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This VIN-programmed T42 TCM, part number 24235340, is the direct-fit, plug-and-play solution designed to restore crisp, predictable shifting and get your workhorse van running smoothly again, without a mandatory trip to the dealership.
As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless commercial vans come into the shop with what the owner feared was a catastrophic transmission failure. More often than not, especially on these GM platforms, the culprit is a faulty TCM. This module is responsible for interpreting data from sensors all over your vehicle to command precise gear changes and torque converter lockup. When it fails, communication breaks down, leading to the symptoms that are costing you time and money. Our pre-programmed 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM arrives ready for installation, loaded with the latest GM software specific to your van’s VIN. This eliminates the need for expensive dealer-level programming tools and gets you back on the road faster.
Case Study: The Contractor’s Intermittent Limp Mode
A local plumbing contractor brought in his ’09 Savana 3500. The van would randomly refuse to shift out of 2nd gear, especially on hot days after a lot of stop-and-go driving. He’d already replaced a shift solenoid with no change. His scan tool showed a generic P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and an intermittent solenoid circuit code. Instead of pulling the transmission, we inspected the TCM. We found no visible damage, but based on the symptoms, we knew internal electronics were the likely cause. We installed a VIN-programmed T42 module. The total time for the swap was under 30 minutes. The contractor called a week later to say the van had never shifted better and the problem was completely gone. He saved thousands and, more importantly, avoided having his main work vehicle down for days.
Is Your Savana Van Showing These Telltale Signs?
- ✔ Abrupt, harsh, or jerky gear shifts.
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- ✔ Vehicle is stuck in “limp mode” (usually 2nd or 3rd gear).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on with codes like P0700, P0750, P0753, P0758, or other solenoid-related DTCs.
- ✔ Failure to upshift or downshift properly, causing poor acceleration or high RPMs.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
DIY Installation: Get Your Van Back to Work in Under an Hour
- ✔ Safety First: Before you begin, disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and help reset the system.
- ✔ Locate the TCM: On most Savana and Express vans, the TCM is located in the engine compartment on the right-hand (passenger) side, often near the firewall or battery.
- ✔ Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the old module. Press the release tabs firmly to avoid damaging the clips. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- ✔ Install the New Module: Bolt the new VIN-programmed TCM into place. Securely plug in the electrical connectors, making sure they click into place to confirm a solid connection.
- ✔ Reconnect and Verify: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle for a few minutes. Use a standard OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the ECU. Test drive the vehicle to confirm that shifting performance is restored.
Verified Fitment for Your GM Vehicle
This T42 Transmission Control Module is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions (like the 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, and 4L80E). While this page focuses on the 2006-2014 Savana 3500 TCM, it is also compatible with the following models. Please verify the location described for your specific vehicle.
- GMC: Savana / Express 1500/2500/3500 (06-14), Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon
- Chevrolet: Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Express, Colorado, Impala, Cobalt, HHR, Monte Carlo, Malibu
- Buick: LaCrosse, Lucerne, Allure, Rendezvous, Rainier
- Cadillac: DTS
- Pontiac: G5, G6, Grand Prix, Pursuit
- Saturn: Vue, Aura, Ion
- Hummer: H3
- Saab: 9-7X
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take my van to the dealer after installing this TCM?No. This module is delivered pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This means no additional programming or flashing is required. It’s a true plug-and-play solution, saving you time and the high cost of dealership service.