Restore Your Truck’s Shifting Performance
Is your 2015-2016 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 experiencing harsh shifts, delayed gear engagement, or an illuminated check engine light? These are classic signs of a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As the electronic brain of your transmission, the TCM is responsible for executing precise, smooth shifts. When it begins to fail, it can make your powerful truck feel unreliable and unpredictable. Over my 20+ years in automotive diagnostics, I’ve seen countless GM trucks sidelined by these exact issues, often stemming from heat and vibration causing internal electronic faults in the original module.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install solution. We take the guesswork and the expensive trip to the dealership out of the equation. Each 2015-2016 Sierra 3500 TCM is professionally programmed with the latest official GM software, specifically matched to your truck’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This ensures seamless communication with your vehicle’s other computers, restoring the original factory performance and shift quality you expect from a premium truck like a Sierra Denali.
Case Study: A Tricky Diagnosis
A customer brought in his ’16 Sierra 2500 with a complaint that stumped two other shops. The truck would occasionally slam into gear from a stop, but it never stored a hard fault code—just an intermittent U0101 (Lost Communication with TCM). We could never replicate it in the bay. After checking all wiring and connectors, I suspected the TCM was failing internally only when it reached a specific operating temperature on long drives. We swapped in one of our VIN-programmed modules, and the customer called a week later, thrilled. The problem was completely gone. It’s a perfect example of how a failing 2015-2016 Sierra 3500 TCM can cause frustrating, intermittent issues that a simple part replacement can solve.
Is Your Truck Exhibiting These Symptoms?
A faulty TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s a strong indicator that your module needs attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant transmission damage down the road.
- ✔ Harsh, jerky, or slamming shifts
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
- ✔ The vehicle gets stuck in one gear (limp mode)
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with transmission-related codes
- ✔ Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) include P0700, P0751, P0606, or U0101
- ✔ Inaccurate gear display on the dashboard
Your Straightforward Installation Guide
For the confident DIYer or professional technician, installing this module is a manageable job. On most Sierra HD models, the TCM is located on the driver’s side of the fan shroud, making it accessible from the engine bay.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait a few minutes before beginning work.
- Locate the TCM: Open the hood and find the Transmission Control Module. On the 2015-2016 Sierra HD, it’s typically mounted to the left (driver’s side) fan shroud.
- Disconnect Wiring: Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and unplug them from the old module. Inspect the connectors for any corrosion or damage.
- Remove the Old Module: Unbolt the old TCM from its mounting bracket. There are usually a few small bolts holding it in place.
- Install the New Module: Mount your new, pre-programmed TCM onto the bracket and secure it with the bolts.
- Reconnect Everything: Plug the electrical connectors firmly into the new module until they click into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Final Check: Start the vehicle. The check engine light should be off, and you can now test drive it to confirm smooth shifting has been restored. No additional programming is required.
Verified Compatibility for Your Vehicle
This module is a direct-fit replacement for part numbers 24276411 and 24272004. It is guaranteed to fit the following GM vehicles with the specified options. Please provide your VIN upon purchase to ensure perfect programming.
- CAMARO 2016 (Underhood, LH frame rail)
- CTS 2016 (LH front rail, ID 24276411)
- ESCALADE / ESCALADE ESV 2015-2017 (8 speed, opt M5U)
- SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 2015-2016 (8 speed, opt M5U)
- SIERRA 2500 / 3500 PICKUP 2015-2016 (6 speed, opt MW7)
- SIERRA DENALI 1500 2015-2016
- SIERRA DENALI 2500 / 3500 2015-2016 (6 speed, opt MW7)
- SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 2015-2016 (8 speed, opt M5U)
- SILVERADO 2500 / 3500 PICKUP 2015-2016 (6 speed, opt MW7)
- YUKON / YUKON XL 1500 2015-2016 (8 speed, opt M5U)
By purchasing this pre-programmed 2015-2016 Sierra 3500 TCM, you are choosing a reliable, cost-effective repair that gets your heavy-duty truck back to work without delay.
How does the programming process work?
It’s simple. After you complete your purchase, you’ll need to send us your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN. Our technicians will then use official GM equipment to flash the module with the newest, most stable software specific to your exact vehicle configuration. It arrives at your door ready to install.
Do I need any special tools to install this TCM?
No special tools are required for the installation itself. Basic hand tools like a socket set will be sufficient to unbolt the old module and install the new one. Because it’s pre-programmed, you do not need a diagnostic scan tool for programming.
What is a TCM and what does it do?
The TCM, or Transmission Control Module, is a computer that controls all functions of your automatic transmission. It takes data from various engine and vehicle speed sensors to determine the optimal time to shift gears for performance, fuel economy, and smoothness.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light is on due to a fault within the TCM itself (like codes P0700, P0606, or U0101), then yes, replacing it with this pre-programmed module will resolve the issue and the light will turn off after installation.
Is this compatible with both the 6-speed and 8-speed transmissions?
Yes, this module is used across a wide range of GM vehicles, including models with the 6-speed (RPO code MW7) and 8-speed (RPO code M5U) automatic transmissions. Providing your VIN ensures we load the correct software for your specific build.