Restore Your Buick’s Signature Smooth Ride
If your 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne is suffering from jarring shifts, delayed gear engagement, or has a check engine light glaring from the dash, you’re likely dealing with a failing Transmission Control Module (TCM). As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a faulty TCM can make a luxury car feel unpredictable and unsafe. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a critical failure that compromises your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. This T42 platform TCM is the definitive, reliable solution, engineered to restore the precise, seamless shifting your Lucerne was built for.
A Technician’s Notebook: The P0700 Code Trap
A customer brought in a 2008 Lucerne with a classic complaint: harsh 1-2 shifts and a P0700 code (Transmission Control System Malfunction). Another shop had already replaced two shift solenoids, but the problem persisted. This is a scenario I’ve diagnosed hundreds of times. The P0700 is a general code—it’s the TCM telling the main computer, ‘Hey, I have a problem.’ The real issue is often within the TCM itself, not the mechanical parts it controls. Heat cycles and vibrations cause internal solder joints to fail over time. We installed a VIN-programmed TCM, cleared the codes, and the car shifted like it just rolled off the assembly line. This part prevents you from chasing ghost issues and gets the diagnosis right the first time.
Is Your Buick Showing These Warning Signs?
A failing TCM doesn’t heal itself; it only gets worse. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more significant transmission damage down the line. Look out for these common indicators:
- ✔ Abrupt, hard, or erratic gear shifts.
- ✔ The vehicle gets stuck in one gear (often called “limp mode”).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, especially P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-related codes.
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- ✔ A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
The Smart Solution: A Pre-Programmed 2006-2011 Lucerne TCM
The biggest headache with module replacement is the mandatory trip to the dealership for expensive programming. We eliminate that step entirely. By providing your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, we flash the module with the latest GM-certified software specific to your Lucerne. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your car’s engine computer and other systems right out of the box. It’s a true plug-and-play fix that saves you time and hundreds of dollars in dealer fees, restoring factory performance and reliability.
A Straightforward 30-Minute Installation
- ✔ Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal on your car’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- ✔ Locate the Module: On the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, the TCM is typically found in the engine compartment on the left-hand (driver’s) side.
- ✔ Swap the Part: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket and set it aside. Bolt the new module in its place and securely reconnect the wiring harnesses.
- ✔ Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While the module is plug-and-play, it’s best practice to use a basic OBD2 scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the vehicle’s memory.
Verified Fitment for Your Vehicle
This module is a guaranteed fit for the specified models. While it is compatible with a wide range of GM vehicles, this listing is specifically for the following:
- Buick Lucerne: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
It also serves as a direct replacement for numerous part numbers, including 24242391, 24234503, 24252114, and your specific part 24240400, ensuring complete compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘VIN Programmed’ actually mean?
It means we load the module with your car’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the corresponding official GM software. This makes the module recognize your car’s unique configuration for engine size, options, and transmission type, allowing it to work perfectly without any additional programming.
Do I need to send my old TCM back (core charge)?
No, there is no core charge for this part. You can keep your old module or dispose of it, saving you the hassle and cost of return shipping.
Will this fix a P0700 and other transmission codes?
Yes. If the TCM itself is the source of the fault, replacing it with our pre-programmed unit will resolve the codes it was generating, including the general P0700 code and more specific solenoid or sensor codes that originate from a faulty module.
Is this a difficult part for a DIYer to install?
Not at all. With basic hand tools and our step-by-step guide, most DIY enthusiasts can complete this installation in under 30 minutes. The most important part is locating the module, which is easily accessible in the Lucerne’s engine bay.