2010 Chevy Cobalt Transmission Control Module (TCM) Replacement

2010 Chevy Cobalt Transmission Control Module (TCM) Replacement

I’m continuing to try to stop the common “crazy dashboard lights” every now and again on my 2010 Chevy Cobalt LT. I’ve tried so many things to cure it with no luck, including replacing the ECM (see separate video on that). This video overviews what I’ve done and shows how to replace the TCM on the car. We’ll see if a new TCM does the trick. I’ll update the description and comments if it starts to act up again! If this doesn’t fix it, I think the only thing left is digging into wiring harnesses (shudder).

Update January 2022: I installed this new TCM in June 2021. I went “problem free” until October 2021 – almost long enough to convince myself it was fixed. I cleared the codes and it behaved normally again. I’d pretty much at that point decided I’d just keep a code reader handy and when it does this, just clear the codes and it should resolve the problem for a while. In other words, just live with it.

Unfortunately, the car got wrecked (other driver’s fault) in December 2021 so we’ll never really know if I’d have been able to actually solve this problem.
https://youtu.be/1N_fcZSGahA

The car has 135,200 miles on it at the time of making this video.

I hope you enjoy! Subscribe to the channel and if you’re interested, you can support me on BuyMeACoffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/edvancise

Parts (some links are Amazon Affiliate links):
• Remanufactured Transmission Control Module (TCM): https://www.ebay.com/itm/194936227704

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Intro (0:00)
Removing the old TCM (1:03)
Installing the new TCM (2:00)
Testing it out (2:46)

Disclaimers:
This video is NOT sponsored by any of the brands mentioned throughout this video or video description. All thoughts mentioned are my own. Some links provided are affiliate links. They do not cost you anything, but I make a small percentage from the sale. Honesty is key on my channel, thank you for supporting me!
I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field. I assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your car/vehicle or equipment before or after watching one of my videos. All DIY repairs or modifications you perform are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you’ve done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car or equipment. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don’t do anything to your vehicle or equipment unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

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Comments

Carbon's DIY Garage says:

Check out the video description for extra info, parts, tools, torques, and any updates.

chitwnfamoe says:

I have a new tcm. Not vin matched. How can I get it reflashed?

mineprixelz says:

My car won't leave park now

Tom Lindroos says:

Don't buy any GM cars…. they totally screwed up their cars with these bucking problems, usually due to a bad TCM ground.

Shepardess says:

Darn, I was hoping to watch thru to resolution. I have 2010 malibu. Went thru electrical issues a few years back and brass battery ground fixed it all. Now 5 years later having power steering issues (not just the light) and traction light on. Sorry to hear about the Cobalt's demise, but at least you don't have the problem anymore.

Recondite Retro Repair says:

A commenter, spikedspike, may have discovered the cause of this issue. I made the linked video hoping to make the possible resolution available to more people: https://youtu.be/oGAfw2xpucU

Elias Keville says:

bought a reprogrammer for my 2009 Chevy cobalt LT and after I programmed a fob to it, my engine light came on. I ran the code reader and got a p0700 code and u0073 code. This makes no sense why it came on right after I did this but it’s been fine. I only have 89k miles. Any help/ideas why please?

Troy baker says:

Thank you thank you….The video helped me out alot

Jimmy flips the world says:

I wanted to buy a new tcm but it looks like it would have to be programed. Did you have to program your new tcm by chance?

Jonathan Juarez says:

Is there an update

Steven Bader says:

My 2010 isn’t shifting from 2nd to 3rd. When it hits 35 mph it won’t shift and just revs up. I’ve been trying to find a video with the same problem but can’t find one. What do you think the problem would be? Thanks for your time

Missy Ryan says:

Hi Carbon-I would love to pick your brain on a couple of things going on with my balt 2lt. Is there anyway to pm you? Thank you

Juan Rios says:

do you need to reprogram?

ZOMBIEGUTTER75 says:

I just bought a tcm tried replacing it car turned on just fine but the gear shift didn’t wanna budge and when I put the old one back on it allow me to shift the gear. Idk what to do because my car has been having a spaz attack where it would stutter when I accelerate or brake, I hear a clicking sound in the gear shift, my mph/rpm/gas gauge freak out, my electronic power steering goes out making the steering wheel hard to turn. My error codes are P0700 and U0073.

james burns says:

Before you replace unplug tcm turn car on (no it will not start) turn off keys then plug it back in mine rebooted and worked again

Tommy Best says:

Hey there. Having similar issues,no speedometer,power steering on dash..won’t shift….I tried cleaning the grounds from the TCM and a couple other things I seen online..I’m down to being convinced it’s the TCM itself. If I was to buy one online or from eBay do I have to have a dealer flash it? I’m just worried about buying a tcm and it not working because it’s not flashed or something along those lines…any info/advice helps. Thank you.

1uniquez says:

Can you give me the link where you purchase the TCM and the ECM from I don't see it in the comments thanks

David Barselow says:

Hi Carbon did the repair in the video last is it still working like it should I been chasing repairs on the cheap and they all hav seemed to have lasted for a very short time. I am going to buy from your information that you put in the description well I hope to hear from you thanks for the video gives me new hope for my cobalt

Ray S says:

great video, thanks!

Marcus Henderson says:

is the ECM grounding necessary. I've seen others only ground to the TCM?

Joseph Thomson says:

So did the ground wire not fix the issue before you swapped out tcm? Also, is that screw/bolt on the tcm, was that already there or did u supply that?

d ecel says:

Anybody know where the tcm is located on a 98 Chevy cavalier

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