If your 2006-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is suffering from frustrating transmission problems like harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or a persistent check engine light, you’ve likely pinpointed the culprit: a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As the electronic brain of your automatic transmission, a faulty TCM can make driving unpredictable and unsafe. This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24243921, is the definitive solution, arriving pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN for a true plug-and-play repair.
A Technician’s Notebook
I recently had a 2008 Chevy Cobalt towed into the shop. The owner was frantic—the car wouldn’t shift past 2nd gear, and the transmission warning light was on. A quick scan pulled a P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and a P0752 (Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Stuck On). While the solenoid code might point to the valve body, experience with these platforms told me to check the TCM first. These T42 modules are notorious for internal solder joint failures, causing intermittent communication and erratic solenoid commands. After confirming power and ground were good at the module, we installed a VIN-programmed replacement. The codes cleared, and the car shifted perfectly on the test drive. It’s a classic failure, and this part is the direct fix.
Is Your Cobalt Showing These Transmission Warning Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t just get worse over time; it can cause damage to other transmission components. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time for a replacement.
- ✔️ Harsh, jerky, or delayed gear shifts.
- ✔️ Vehicle is stuck in “limp mode” (usually 2nd or 3rd gear only).
- ✔️ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated.
- ✔️ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750, P0752, or other solenoid-related faults.
- ✔️ The transmission refuses to upshift or downshift correctly.
- ✔️ A noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
- ✔️ Complete loss of communication with the transmission module.
DIY-Friendly Installation: Get Your Cobalt Shifting Smoothly
One of the best features of this module is that it’s designed for a straightforward installation, saving you hundreds in labor and programming fees. For the 2006-2010 Cobalt TCM, the module is conveniently located and easy to access.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the TCM: On your Cobalt, you’ll find the TCM mounted to the driver’s side (LH) strut tower in the engine bay.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place and securely reconnect the electrical harnesses.
- Reconnect and Verify: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the vehicle and ensure all warning lights are off and the transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. We recommend using a scan tool to clear any stored fault codes.
Verified Fitment for Your Vehicle
This T42 TCM is the correct replacement for your 2006-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. It is also compatible with a wide range of other General Motors vehicles. Please verify the location notes to ensure proper identification on your specific model.
This part will fit these makes and models with these options
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
ALLURE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
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 Transmission; (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 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 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 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 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
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, w/hybrid, LH side front engine compartment, (shift control)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/o hybrid; (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 10 Transmission
YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)