Scion tC Problems and Solutions

tlcman

yokohamas are good but tend to have a softer sidewall, michillens are good and have a stronger sidwal, (soffter induces more tyre roll, and less handling, oposite for stronger sidewalls) michllens are strong im not sure if they are made for that size though.

kauffman

Hey, thanks for the info on that rattle. I played around with it a little, but to no avail. By roof switch, you meant the toggle switch for the moon roof, correct? I noticed that it does make a little tingy rattle when tapped on... What exactly is the lip of the headliner? I just wanted to make sure I was in the area you talked about. Thank you for your help.

stickguy

The headliner sort of curves over the underside of the roof (there is a lip) just above where the moonroof button is. If I put my fingers in there and pull down (pressing the curl of the headliner down), the rattle stops.

bleuchip

Hi-

I've owned my Scion 5 spd just over a month. I've had a problem starting my car on about half a dozen occasions. I'll depress the clutch, turn the key and the engine will crank. Halfway through, the crank would stop. The car would start on the next turn of the key but I am concerned this might be a serious problem (starter? battery?). Has anyone experienced this problem?

iluvmysephia1

your clutchfoot? If not the Scion may have a problem with turning over for you. Reason I say that is I had a 1999 Kia Sephia with a 5-speed(it was a Getrag tranny)that you had to have your clutch foot completely to the floorboard or it wouldn't even turn over. Weirdest thing to get used to but after I knew how it had to be I was fine wid it.

stickguy

could be the clutch interlock switch. best bet is to have the dealer check it out. If the starter or alternator is bad, it should be fairly easy to tell.

k9kreationz

Hopefully within two weeks. Not sure though, they said 2-3, I'm hoping for two.

 

I have read most of these posts regarding the main issues with the tC, do any of you know if they have started fixing the issues with the roof creaks, on all of them before they are sold?

 

Okay, so I skipped some messages. lol. Looks like it'll be a great car.....

 

Just need to be patient.

 

So, any new concerns besides the roof, radio cover, and third gear (mine will be manual)?

 

~Cheryl

genee

See posting #250 this thread. Well, way back before Thanksgiving Scion told me that they were actually working on a TSB for the infamous stereo lid and they "expected" to have a TSB and a new wiring harness for those of us with side airbags and a dealer installer auto-dimming mirror. Yesterday I thought I would give them another shot. Now, they claim there is no anticipated time line. I guess they just hope people will leave the stupid lid open - in this part of the country anything with Pioneer visible on it seems to create broken windows and torn up dashes - and will wait until someone dies because mirror wiring prevented the side airbags from functioning.

mray

I have had my popping sunroof looked at 3x and each time they said they fixed it and it still makes the noise. IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!!!!!!! I have been contacted by SCIONS regional office and somone from there is supposed to look at my car in the next 1-2 weeks. I have to drive round trip 2 hours to have it looked at each time. KEEP ME POSTED IF YOU FIND ANY LUCK WITH THE POPPING NOISE. WHAT HAVE THEY TOLD YOU ABOUT THE PROBLEM?

elouw01

I have a rattle on my tc that is sometimes constant while driving at higher speeds but is worse over bumps. I have found that this noise goes away when pressure is put on the stereo cover

atticdog

heres a pic of my indigo ink pearl

http://home.comcast.net/~jsmartin1300/iiptc.jpg

mackabee

Very nice!

        : )

        Mackabee

iluvmysephia1

is lookin'sweet! Very nice looking car.

cullens

I love my new tc. My only complaints: the stereo lid closes, but takes two or three or four taps to open back up. Annoying -- I leave it open all the time though the dash looks cooler with it closed. Any new word on whether a repair is in the offing from Scion? Also, I wish the volume control on the stereo was a knob, not buttons. Two very minor issues, though, in a car that I'm having a great tie with.

k9kreationz

So...anyone? What is going on with the side airbags and dimming mirror?

 

Because I just bought mine, it came with side airbags, and I ordered a dimming mirrow, and they didn't say a problem? So what? Is it going to disable the bags? Or do I need to talk to them about this?

 

Anyone?

~Cheryl

genee

Cheryl - Once-upon-a-time you could order the combination of side airbags and dimming mirror. Then they (Scion) cancelled this combination because the wiring for the mirror COULD be done over the airbags preventing them from working. Months ago I was told that a "new wiring harness" was in the works that would "fix" the problem. I check often with Scion and they can NOT (at least last week) give me a date on when the wiring harness would be available. I suggest you go to scion.com and try to "build" a tC with the combination. If it is allowed on line, they have fixed the problem and are just ignoring me... To save you the trouble, I just went to scion.com and tried the configuration. When you add the mirror it says that the side airbags are not possible. I suggest you have a long talk with your dealer.

k9kreationz

I have an appt for Saturday. Should I talk to the parts maanger or service manager about this, cuz I know the saleman knew nothing about Scions.

 

~Cheryl

genee

Cheryl -

Talk to the service manager. I would even try to get a signed statement that the installation of the mirror is GUARANTEED not to interfere with the airbags. (This will be nearly impossible to get ..) I have had one service manager tell me that IF the install is done properly, the wire do NOT cross the bags. If they get sloppy, the wires CAN interfere and the bags fail to function properly - if ever needed. Be firm. If they are going to do something that Scion is currently NOT allowing, they need to accept the liability.

glenjamindle

I took my Tc to the car wash and the high school pot head could not figure out how to lift my seat. I noticed them all looking at me weird when I went to go pick up the car from where they were drying it off, which should have tipped me off. They looked like little puppies that knew they did something wrong.

 

I didn't notice until I got home and went to lift the seat to grab my bag out of the back...but it didn't lift. I had to forcefully lift the lever to the point where I thought I was going to rip it right out to get the seat up. Anyone know how these mechanisims work or how I could fix this on my own?

 

Thanks,

Glen

glenjamindle

I thought I had the same problem, but I figured out how to finess it just right. You don't push it in, you have to quickly tap where it says push. Hitting it lightly and quickly will open the stereo cover every time.

 

Hope you read this before you spend money to fix it!

glenjamindle

I am wondering it I can put a full size spare in the trunk to replace the donut. Will this affect the safety crash test rating? Do you recommend replacing or leaving it alone. I do alot of traveling and don't want to be stuck with a teeny tire. Thanks again

 

Glen

ashleightc

You are not the only one this has happend. I was driving down the highway the angled glass piece in front of sun roof shattered on me while driving. Different story my dealer is claiming that a rock has caused the damage but by doing a little research this is a Scion problem. It is a very dangerous problem and people can be seriously hurt if it is not resloved.

dmdman

I've ordered a Flint Mica auto TC. Should I cancel??? I'm really surprised by the number of problems here. Anyone have any comments on the auto trans? I could go std or auto but figured this way I get to save myself from those traffic annoyances.

 

I've done some reading and have told myself that I can live with the crappy radio cover -- as long as that's the only problem on this otherwise unbeatable car. However, sounds like there are plenty of problems to deal with.

atticdog

the only problem i have is abit of a rattle in the hatch area that can be fixed pretty easy. I love my TC

iluvmysephia1

regarding cars with "moonroofs/sunroofs" or a reasonable combination thereof, creaks and rattles come with the package. Scion engineers had to solidify and structurally stiffen the roof and the technology that you enjoy in the middle there comes with a small price-creakies.

 

Anybody with a tC who's roof area in general doesn't rattle or pop or creak a bit?

nj18inchrims

DMDMAN,

did you test drive it? you obviously like its look or you wouldnt be considering it.

You have to just go for it.

i purchased my TC last week (balck cherry with lots of added options/auto), i only discovered this site several days ago. i dont think the posts would have influenced my decision. If you love it you'll get it.

as far as rattles/noises, i have not experienced anything yet and have over 700 miles on it already. i even went with the 18" rims, so you could imagine the noise alone from that.

its all about ones tolerance level.

yes the radio door is a pain in the butt, but i found just the right way to manipulate it so it works consistently for me. on mine you have to depress it a little harder and it pops right up. closing is no problem.

no other problems yet.

dmdman

Thanks for the reply. I have test drove the TC and loved it -- For the money, it can't be beat!

 

What do you think about the automatic? I was only able to test drive the 5 speed. I was a little torn about which one to go with.

nj18inchrims

i only know automatic, so i cant make that comparison. i think its great, very reminiscent of the Celica which i owned (2001).

and you hit it on the head , "for the money, cant be beat".

we'll mine wound up being a little more then i expected adding extra/taxes/trade-in.

eight1109

Hi, i have a tc and also have that same rattle in the hatch. you said it could be fixed really easy. can you tell me how and where you had it fixed. thank you.

chris

eight1109

i have a rattle in the climate control knob too.

atticdog

it snowed today
so the road was covered with snow and it didnt rattle, it rattles all the time. I ever went on the test drive and it didnt do it, but before we did the tech tightened down the spare tire abit.
Then they just called me and the snow plow guy in a bobcat hit my rim and scraped it. they are ordering a new rim, but my wife is pissed and wants to go yell at them.
I hate dealers

atticdog

ok i'll try again
everytime I try to post how to fix this rattle in the hatch I get an email from Karen saying my post is against the rules and its removed

"I applied foam tape (1/4") to the bolted in bumper stops on either side of the hatch.. The tape is applied to the horizontal surface of the bumper stop contact spot.. About one inch long of foam tape.. and that's it! No more noise from the bumper bouncing.. "

atticdog

here are pics of where to put the foam
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~chs22/untitled.JPG
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~chs22/untitled1.JPG

carguy79

I have a strangle noise coming from my dash as well. it is not as much of s rattle, but more so a metal to metal rubbing sound.

masstorage

Seems like my AC is always on even with the AC switch is off. When I increase the fan speed, cold air comes thru the vent (either in outside vent or interior). I turn on the AC switch the cold air about the same as with AC is off and when the AC switch is on, I don't see the tachometer change. Usually when the AC compresser kicks on the tachometer change to compensate the load.

Has anyone experience this problem?

gtw

My daughter has 2 Discs stuck in her T1804 player. Any ideas on how to get them out?

billw40

I have had the same isue, I thought it might just be me and teh way I shift but no matter what I do it is the same. Other that that I love the car.

cullens

I've had my tc for about a month and a half, just under 1500 miles. No rattles, creaks, or the like. Runs great, feels great -- wouldn't trade it for love or money. I decided to buy it when I couldn't answer for myself what exactly I was going to get for an extra $20k with an Infiniti G35. I do find the stereo lid annoying. Someone here suggested a light quick tap to open it. I'll give that a try but I have my doubts. Part of why I bought the tc was because of Toyota's reputation for reliability and that this "new" model in the US was built almost entirely with seasoned components from Japan, the US, and Europe.

artwolfe32

I have the same rattles but also hear creaking. I thought it was coming from the trunk though. I will try the radio cover and see if it goes away.

redrider

Anyone have a rough engine - jerking, hesitation on a cold start condition? Usually happens within first 30-60 seconds and the car jerks violently until the temp gage moves. This is a manual shift, only happens on cold starts, slow speed but has hesitation at other speeds even when warm. Dealer has no clue, says it may be "normal".
Thanks!

mdrky

Here's one...I have a TC that at 1180 miles developed a noise sounding like a vibrating baseball card against a bike spoke...in 5th gear about 70 mph @ 3200 rpms...cruising along, press the gas and it sounds as if the thing is going to rattle me out of the car...took it to 2 dealers today; couldn't replicate the problem. one said it was noise due to timing chain...I think something is loose...never heard it before this past weekend and it is driving me nuts! Any others have this? Love the TC but it is aggravating.

buckeyecase

I have 3100 on my tC. I had the same noise once, baseball card in the spokes, sometime during the first 1k miles, sounded like it was coming from the center vent somewhere in the HVAC. It went away after about 2 minutes and hasn't come back since. I guess I've been lucky, because I've yet to experience any other abnormal rattles from the hatch or roof.

mdrky

Thanks for the info...now have over 2100 miles on the car and have not been able to replicate the sound in the past few days, hopefully it has gone away but I will continue to listen for it. A buddy of mine who runs a shop said that he would have a mechanic of his listen to it if it occurs again...probably won't take it to the local dealer here as they were quite rude and aloof when I called to see if they could check it out.

hnathan

I have the exact same problem (in Maryland). Have you had it addressed by the dealer?

amilian10

HI, EVERYBODY.
FIRST LET ME THANK EVERYONE FOR THE INFO THEY SHARE ON THIS SITE. IT REALLY IS VERY HELPFUL.
I REALLY LIKE THE TC BUT I LIVE IN MIAMI, FL.
AND NEED A CAR WITH A POWERFUL A/C. ANY INFO WILL
BE HELPFUL WITH MY DECISION.

THANKS

stickguy

My hatch has been squeaking a lot lately. Started a few weeks back, seems to be getting more consistant. And annoying.

Anyone here had this resolved at the dealer? Sorry, it's late and I'm too beat to go searching. I know I saw postings about this somewhere. I need to make an appointment, and alwyas like to have a direction to point them.

stickguy

First, please stop shouting, I have a headache.

But, I think the AC is OK, but I hardly used it last year (just don't like it). It may be an issue since the interior is dark (holds heat), and the roof is glass, although it is supposed to be somewhat heat resistant.

You really need someone in a hot climate to chime in I guess.

lron

Hi,
A review of my 6,500 miles and 5 months with a
white 5sp tC, side curtain bags, dealer added security system.

Potenza RE92 tires- Seems like grip improved over first 1,000 miles. Overall they seem OK now. They get VERY loud on some types of concrete.

Lift throttle oversteer is evident, as noted in several car magazine test reports. Has anyone tried the front strut tower brace?

Radio cover is annoying, I leave it open.

Factory $96 floor mat developed a hole under throttle foot in 4 months. (No, I don't wear high heels but Winter in NJ, I tracked a good bit of road salt & sand on the mat) Went to dealer with the complaint, got new mats free. I'll have a vinyl patch sewed into the new one.

No squeeks/rattles/pops for first 6,000 miles. Recently heard a pop or two. Likely the sunroof many have mentioned?

Don't like:
Rear visibility.
Would much prefer the car without the sunroof.
First gear ratio is too low, but sure is quick.
MPG about 27 surban-ish driving, 29 highway, seems like it could be a bit better.

Overall very pleased, great build quality, good standard radio, excellent engine, good clutch & shift linkage.

Ron L

gtw

A review of my 9,000 miles and 8 months with a
white AUTO tC. Very similiar review to above. Did have the single disk CD player replaced under warranty. Bad unit. No squeaks, rattles or noises.
Gas mileage around 25/27. Great car.

design

I also live in Miami and the A/C is great. It's been chilly lately and I find that if I open the sunroof to its first position (at an angle), it actually feels like you have A/C going straight on you, I drive it like that most of the time. I've driven it with the windows closed and the A/C on and it does get cold fast and doesn't seem to be affecting the engine much, no extra noise and no lack of power. As for the glass letting the sun through, it comes slightly tinted and there is a sliding thingy that will block all the sun from coming in. I'm still planning on getting tints because it will get very hot very soon, and I don't feel like splitting my gas bill with A/C costs. Every other TC i've seen down here already has them. Just be careful for the infamous Miami roadwork, I've had this car for 3 months and I've scratched TWO of my 18" rims already and a screw went through one of my $200 Pirelli.