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Scion tC Problems and Solutions
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Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Scheisse shifting is:
Lagging shifts - shifts that take a long time to complete. this usually happens during moderate acceleration between first and second gear. while this is occurring, the RPM increases almost as if the tran is slipping(usually happens when after a complete stop after being on the freeway).
Very frustrating!
Reluctance to engage in gear - This is the most frustrating characteristic because it is the most frequent. When performing city driving you're always coming to quasi-stops, such as a light that has turned green before you've fully stopped, taking a turn, pulling out around a turning car, or a myriad of other driving situations that have now become absolutly dreadful for me. When any of the above situations occur, my TC has very slow throttle responce (almost a full second!!!) before it engages in an apropriate gear for accelleration. Whats happening???? I feel this is somewhat connected to the VVT-i issues that have been plagueing you fellow manual drivers. Toyota... what is going on? Please help us! I love the TC, but this Reeeealy sucks!
Besides these problems, the Tran does other very bazzar things that i know are weird, but i don't know how to classify them.
I brought it in to the dealer... and of course she behaved like a lexus! After they wiped the egg of my face, they said "It must have been learning how i drive, but if it continues we can reset the computer". Should i let them do this? Has anyone else experienced any problems with their automatic TC?
Please help!
-Z
Part throttle and slow speed situations are the worst, because the ECU is trying to maximize mileage most of the time, which can keep you up a gear, and tries to avoid hard downshifts that can upset the balance in a turn.
The software is supposed to learn your style, and they can reset it to re-learn if it developed bad habits. One problem with the adaptable logic is if you normally drive one way, it gets confused when you do something different.
All just another reason to drive a stick shift!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yeah... I'm wishing I got a stick, but they said it would be a two month wait! Since I needed a car ASAP, I went with the AT option. Should I have them reset the computer?
I think I confused the CPU because I drive like a Jack-[non-permissible content removed]! But, so don't most people who own this car:)
Toyota should have foreseen this!
: )
Mackabee
Genee, could you send me pictures of your leather interior. I made my email public so that shouldn't be a problem.
zheathwaite@hotmail.com
-Z
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Transmission is a direct drop in from Camry, but it feels like they are programed differently. But I have not drove much. Got the car for over 2 months now, but only 140 miles. Is this some kind of record? My work is just 5 minutes down the street, and I take MAX (Portland version of above ground subway) when going downtown. I am not in a hurry. Plan to keep the car for 10 years.
Have not had vibration with AC on. However, I had my freon refilled. 1 week after getting the car. I noticed that my AC was working hard but not getting sufficiently cold. Dealer found that there is only 6 lbs of freon instead of 9 lbs. Not sure whether this could cause your problem.
Also found the shift cover trim lifted by 1/4" and had it fixed. My spoiler was off center by 1/4" as well. Other than that everything is good so far. Since I do not drive much, I made sure I checked everything (I mean everything, every button, panel gap, engine bay, fluid, trunk, spare tire, etc) and bring the car in right away for repair. The dealer fixed all the problem right away and free. That was real nice.
Also, should I purchase a separate set of wheels to make switch over easier as Consumer Reports recommends? If so - should I buy from the Scion dealer or someplace like VIP?
Thanks!! Snowstop.
good luck!
TireRack recommended the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S. Ratings and reviews are far better than the Potenza RE92's for wet, dry, snow, wear, and ride.
Still waiting for my tC to come in. In the mean time I am canvassing tire dealers to see what kind of 'trade' deal I can make to get the Pirelli's on the day of delivery. Right now it looks like I will take quite a hit on the cost even though the Potenza is priced higher. They are all telling me that they have to treat the tires on the car as used. Sound right?
Flipping a coin now to determine if I should use the money on a couple more accessories and worry about the tires later (take a chance on their winter performance).
Check out tirerack.com for advice. They do a huge business with snow tire packages, and know what fits. There is also a thread on Edumnds for them (ask Connor).
Most people get the snows on steel wheels w/hubcaps. You can also do a -1 and get 16" wheels/tires with a taller sidewall (aka higher profile), which will work better in snow and be lots cheaper.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Even with that considered, I have yet to find anyone say anything positive about the OEM tires in this regard. All-seasons would realistically serve the purpose for me.
I guess I'm looking for someone to legitimately come to the defense of the Potenza's in which case I may leave them on and take my chances or flat out deride them and push me over the edge to replace them immediately despite the cost.
There is nothing available on the performance of the tC in winter conditions - car, tires or otherwise. I suppose we early owners will be the test market.
Thanks for the insight
The only issue I had (which seems to be much less noticeable lately) with shifting was the holding of revs when upshifting. I'm thinking that is either was related to the hot temperature i nthe summer, or maybe there really is a learning curve to the software.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Our 1st transmission made a rattling noise in 3rd gear. No such problem with the new transmission. Lets hope these new transmission are solid. Good Luck
; )
Mackabee
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/700789
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Try www.katzkin.com or www.classicsofttrim.com and search for installers in your area.
Another owner, Genee, had an opal color installed to match the headliner. That color was real sharp too!
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/704924
The line on the right front seat is a reflection from somewhere. It is NOT a seam!!
As you scan the tC sites you will see a few 'problems' mentioned. The most serious that I have read about is 3rd gear on the sticks, otherwise nothing major, most deal with personal preference and tolernce levels. For instance, I have read a lot about the roof popping and the radio cover - I have no problem with either.
Have had mine for only a few days but it has thus far surpassed my expectations.
Even the little quibbles have probably been addressed at the plant by now, so it's quite possible that future owners won't have any issues to complain about.
The powertrain s/b well sorted out (pretty much right out of the Camry), and the rest of the car is really pretty simple compared to some stuff you can get now. Toyota pretty much has power windows, locks and ABS figured out by now.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That's...18 hours from delivery to failure. Can anyone beat that time?
On the plus side, the dealer has been pretty good about this. They've provided a rental car for me and should have the transmission replaced within the next two days.
Still, bloody frustrating. A new car should last at least ONE day!
It is a hassle and unacceptable. But, as long as they provide a free rental car and diligently fix the problem, we'll still hopefully be happy with the tC choice.
In San Diego, in just 1 month, I saw 2 diferent Mazda 3's being towed off the side of the road. That made me feel better after barely choosing the tC over the 3. Hope things can stay that way.
Hopefully for the majority of folks with no problem, it doesn't develop over time. That is, it either has it or it doesn't.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am from California and I have a scion tc I bought on July 3, 2004. I brought my scion back to two dealerships in the sacramento area trying to fix the sunroof problem. Does your sunroofs pop when you turn and the body or the car flexes? I just wonder if the popping is a design flaw and there is no way to fix it. It is really irritating and if no one can fix it, this will be the last toyota I will ever purchase.
The problem seams to have affected only a few vehicles. My dealer knew of a person in Florida with the transmission problem and I know of one other person on this site who has experience the problem.
I have to agree with Stickguy, you will know if you have the problem right away. The dealers are good about fixing the transmission and the new transmission seems to work fine. Its a great car with Toyota / Lexus quality, so don't let this issue scare you off.
I believe there is a known fix (might be a TSb by now), that is at least known at the corporate level. It involves backing out the screws that hold the roof assembly, putting loctite on them, and tightening them up. Can't vouch for wether it works though.
To me, it's not a big deal, just a consequence of the nice big glass roof. It's also barely noticable to me, but YMMV.
When I take it in for the first oil change, I will have them attempt the fix, along with a couple of other minor things, none of which impact the functioning of the car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My car still drives very smooth I think, but the noise is not something I would have expected.
For the people who commented on the difficulty of opening the stereo cover, just to let you know our experience: I drove the car home from the dealer (and my husband got to drive the Escort, poor guy) and I had no problem opening and closing the stereo cover.
My husband drove the car later, and when he came home he asked me how to open the stereo as he couldn't get it to open. So I opened it for him, and closed it, and then he tried, and couldn't. So I showed him again, and he tried and failed. This went on for a while. Finally he got it! So, for those people who are having a tough time, it might be that you just need to have the right touch!
What a great car! Now we just have to work out who gets it each day! (Neither of us wants the Escort, imagine that)
Kabohami
Now it will just stay open all the time again.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.