Scion tC Problems and Solutions

bobotheclown · October 2004

oops my mistake. Must have missed that part. So you mean the deflector broke? Aren't those things suppose to be durable?

carguy79 · October 2004

I received an e-amil from Scion yesterday in regards to problems or suggestions to improve the tC. Have any of you received an e-mail from them as well?

jcf · October 2004

Of course insurance will cover it, same as a windshield. But, paying the $250 or $500 deductible makes it an expensive incident that none of us expect to happen.

If the defelctor and roof are at all vulnerable from flying debris, I vote one for the internal sunroof designs. I prefer their cleaner looks anyway.

genee · November 2004

For those who have tired with my complaining about being on the third stereo "lid" I just want to say that this morning I received a phone call from Scion. They told me that the poorly functioning cover WAS a MAJOR problem for them with many complaints and that a TSB was soon to be issued for a fix. So, for those like myself who want the lid to work properly, start asking your dealers/service departments about this TSB. Scion said that the TSB would NOT be announced but should be in service departments "in a few weeks."

genee · November 2004

When I configured and ordered my tC there was absolutely NO PROBLEM putting the auto-dimming mirror and side airbags on the same vehicle. Now there are rumblings that the bags will not work with the mirror installed ... AND the Scion.com site will not allow the combination while you "build" your own Scion. Anyone else caught in this dilemma? I think many opted out on the airbags because they seemed to be the source of a long wait for your car.

bobotheclown · November 2004

I didn't say it won't work, just concerned. Was posting for answers not to create anxiety.

genee · November 2004

Bobo - there IS something FUNKY with the wiring. Classic Soft Trim has installed BUNCHES of leather in the new tCs. However, I was one of the (if not THE) first with side airbags - I had to wait for the patterns to be cut. Two days ago was the first time we had turned BOTH seat heaters on at the same time. When you do .. the High Beam Indicator light in the dash comes on. The supposed fix is scheduled for Monday.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

does the Scion tC come with standard seat heaters, too? Or are they optional? If they're standard then that will about seal the deal for me! No kidding! There'll be no arguing with the wife over whether we buy the 2005 Kia Sportage or the 2005 Scion tC. The Scion tC will win hands down. No, seriously, does the tC come with seat heaters for both front seats? Ya gotta be kiddin' me!

axiomowner · November 2004

Heated seats are not standard and they aren't an option. They are, however, available aftermarket if you have leather installed. I installed the leather only. I believe Genee had the bun warmers installed.

I had an aftermarket remote starter installed on my last vehicle and the electrical was never the same since. I'm avoiding having anyone monkey with the wiring in my Tc.

genee · November 2004

Sephia lover - I had the bun warmers installed when I had the leather done. While they have the seats apart it was not much to have the pads installed. If you do them as a solo item, they are kinda spendy. They are QUITE addictive. Since the first set, they have become a must with rear seat heaters rapidly catching up. I can't get as excited about the heated wheel in my daughter's Bimmer. I think they just tapped into the wrong circuit on the fuse block rather than a separate ACC tap. I don't think they messed with any of the wiring but I will be finding out tomorrow (Monday 8Nov) when they get it back to turn off the high beam indicator.

gtw · November 2004

My daughters tC had the Maintenance required light come on at 5,000 miles. Does anyone know how to reset this? Also, the low air pressure in the tires warning light works great.

carguy79 · November 2004

Press the tripometer button down and hold while turning the ignition switch to the on position. After about 2 seconds, the maintainance light will clear

stickguy · November 2004

Or you can get the oil changed. It's probably due to get the original oil out by now.

jbrown1 · November 2004

I've heard the largest wheels we can put on our TC's are 19x8. Is this true?

genee · November 2004

Just received word from Scion about this combination. Once it was OK ... now it is NOT .. it appears that it will be fine sometime in the future. Here is their response:
If you have already had both accessories installed the dealer should be able to implement the new wiring harness so that the options do work. Contact them ASAP.

So, it would appear that the bags MIGHT NOT work just now but there is a wiring modification AVAILABLE that will make things function correctly. My next question is, "Why don't they just put the new wiring harness on any rig that orders the combination of side airbags and auto-dimming mirror?"

gtw · November 2004

I changed the oil at 1,000 and again at 4,000. Just didn't know how to clear the light.

stickguy · November 2004

I just hit 3K, and will be going in for the first oil change soon. Wonder if the dealer will reset it (that is, restart the counter), even though it isn't on?

stickguy · November 2004

I made the appointment today, and the service writer was adament that I should wait until 5K (or 6 months) to have it done. 5K is the required interval, but I always go shorter due to putting on hard miles. The first change concerned him, because of the special break-in oil that Toyota uses.

I will probably wait another month and get it done before Christmas, since I will be going on 6 months by then.

Still taking it in to have a couple of minor items looked at (roof creak, headliner rattle, and something underneath rattles, almost sounds like a chain). For a brand new design, not too shabby that these are the only problems I could come up with in 4 months.

genee · November 2004

Take a look at page 96, bottom centre column of the Owner's Manual. The only "trick" is to have the display set to ODOMETER before you turn the ignition OFF. Unfortunately, there appears to be no way to change the interval from 5000 miles for those of us that believe 3000 is a better number.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

driving your Scion tC in Ecuador? You display an Ecuadorian flag by your nickname is the reason I ask!

bobotheclown · November 2004

They probably didn't think it would cause the problem. Plus, they didn't think most people would want side-curatin airbags.

That's the problem with buying first year cars. You get to find all those nice little quirks and suprises. Oh well, was planning to get an 06 anyways.

genee · November 2004

Bobo - This REALLY turns out to be a right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. As I posted, "specialist 1" said to have the "new wiring harness" installed. He also said that the web site would soon be changed to reflect the ability to order the mirror and bags in combination. A phone call got me "specialist 2" who gave me a part number for the "new wiring harness." Two service managers claim there is NO NEW wiring harness available ... the part number is for the auto-dimming mirror for NEXT YEAR's model and not available. Service manager 2 says that IF the mirror is installed by a Scion technician, there should be not problem .. the instructions show how to lock the wiring so it does NOT interfere with the airbag deployment. THE ONLY THING ALL AGREE UPON - IT IS NOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. Some sloppy shops ran the mirror wire OVER the airbag in the driver's A pillar essentially tying it down. So, as you say, best to let the rest of us find the little quirks and wait for the second year of a GREAT little car. The whole thing really boils down to dealer's not wanting the liability that their service department may not have run the wiring through tie-down clips in the A pillar.

genee · November 2004

Sephia lover - No, the roads would kill the little thing and those Potenza's would not have the traction for the "highways" over the Andes into the Basin. The tC is one of the Stateside cars. I am impressed that you recognized the flag.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

sort of thing that Edmunds added when they added this little flag by your nickname thing a year or so ago. Anybody remember exactly when that feature was added to this website? Glad you're in a place that optimizes your Scion tC enjoyment, genee!

Speaking of Potenza's, has anybody gone and bought new tires already for your tC and dumped your stock Potenza's? This question may have already been answered but I don't think it has been yet(fully completely, to quote Canadian rockers The Tragically Hip) and I've been on this thread for a month or month and a half or so by now. I'm still hunting and gathering Scion tC general information and a lot of you aren't exactly impressed by your Potenza's.

stickguy · November 2004

they work fine on dry roads, grip well, not noisy, ride OK. They don't seem to be very good in the wet, and I'm not expecting much on snow. But, I don't expect to have to be on snow much (hopefully not at all), so I can get by. I'll keep these and see how they wear, but I'm guessing by about 20-25K (about 3 years, in the fall) I will get new ones, even if they have some tread left.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

now this brings back memories of talking about this topic before! You're the one who is only going to be putting 8,000 miles a year on your tC! Your car is going to really last for you, I think. That's not rackin' 'em up very fast, man. Good for you! Your paint should be fine in only three years too-the car should look pert-near new three years from now.

stickguy · November 2004

I already have three little scratches. The paint seems to scratch very easily, and the white underneath is real noticable against the flint color.

just turned 3K, in just over 4 months.

stickguy · November 2004

just got the tC back from getting a few things done:

1) had the roof tsb done (thanks to this forum, I gave them the number. The service writer actually seemed to appreciate it). So far, seems 100% successful. no creaks, not even when backing out of the driveway and turing at the bottom, which really twists the structure.

2) headliner rattled over bumps. Seems that they fixedthat when they did the roof fix. I think a clip might have been loose, so the problem when away when the reinstalled it. Anyway, no more thunking.

3) something was rattling underneath (or so it seems). Turns out the liscense plate bracket wasn't tight, so the plate rattled. Assuming I don't here the noise again, guess that was it.

That was it. I forgot to ask about the issue with the revs holding during an upshift, but that's because I don't notice it anymore. Not sure if the car "learned" my style, or it's just from the weather getting colder. If it comes back next summer, I'll ask about it, but I'm sure it will just be the way it is.

So, in 4 months with a brand new car design (one of the first sold on the east coast), pretty minor stuff. Otherwise it has been exemplary in it's reliability.

jcf · November 2004

Researching used and new cars before buying a new tC has really educated me over the past 6 months. Reading all of the professional road test reports on web sites like autobytel.com; reading thousands of consumer comments on forum sites like edmunds.com; studying the reliability rating charts from Consumers' Digest; checking the crash test ratings at NHTSA and IIHS web sites - they've all helped me be a smarter consumer and hopefully make better decisions with my money by buying a tC instead of a ...

Maybe I'm late to the party, maybe many of you already know, but the new car's just forced some more practical education onto me. And your mentioning of scratches, swirls, and soft paint prompts me to share.

I figured, for the first time in my life, I'd try to find some test research on car polishes. Figured the new tC deserved SOME thought towards this maintenance obligation. I couldn't find any decent, free, unbiased info on the web or with Consumers' Reports. What I did find though was gurureports.org. They have exactly the info I wanted - an unbiased, detailed, methodology controlled testing of 50 car polishes. Being cheap, and disappointed that I couldn't find the info somewhere free on the net, I reluctantly paid the $16 for their report.

The report is outstanding! The information and test results are invaluable! I'd recommend anyone who cares at all about protecting his new car to buy the report. For those too cheap or lazy to follow through, and just want a top reco, go to zainobros.com. Reading the report though will help you understand why this product is the best - and worth your attention.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

wax on your tC should be a priority for all of you with a new Scion tC. I have heard good things about Meguire's wax from someone over on the Kia Sorento site. When I bought my '01 Sportage they coated it with protectant that has kept it's paint remarkably new-like. There is a spot on my hood where a logging truck kicked loose a rock and it shot up onto my hood and left a tiny dent and rust spot. It doesn't spread(I watch it like a hawk)and it's so small I don't even feel like I need to do anything about it, though. Anybody bought a bra for your tC? Speaking of protection.

gtw · November 2004

Put Klasse on all my cars and it is the best I have used.

kauffman · November 2004

I have 8,000 miles on my tC, and I am noticing a rattle that sounds like it comes from around the stereo or HVAC aluminum knob... I have been trying to trace this sound for a few weeks now. Anyone else have this problem or know of a cure/TSB? Thank you.

stickguy · November 2004

I had a rattle (only over sharp bumps) that I thought was in that area. Turns out it was the headliner. As a test, drive over some bumps, and when you hear it, press down on the lip of the headliner (just above the roof switch). Pull down on the piece that curls over. On mine, just a slight downward pressure stopped the noise.

theonlyrij1 · November 2004

Does anyone know the crash tests for the scion tc? I am looking to buy this car but no matter when i check i just cant seem to find the crash tests. Does anyone know if this car is safe for a first car?

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

of a car to know crash test results yet. It does have 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS on all fours. It also offers side airbags as an option plus some fairly beefy side impact steel fortifications on the cage around(doors and behind the doors on the sides). You're gonna need to wait a tad for actual crash test results but a number of people are interested in them(including me)so someone will definitely post them when they become available.

mheavili · November 2004

Has anyone had trouble with a "sticky" trunk latch? When my tc is cold, the trunk will not latch. As soon as it warms up, it latches, without any action from me. Since I live in Colorado and normally leave for work before the sun comes up, this is a real problem.

tonylexus · November 2004

Sorry stickguy, can't agree. I find the Potenza's to be a bit harsh and definately noisy, especially on concrete vs blacktop. As for grip, they do seem to do well on dry roads. Haven't pushed them on wet roads but based on what I've read I'm not expecting much there or in snow.
There are better all around tires out there but I could get nothing in trade even before these tires hit the road. So, I will get what I can out of them and trade up at the first sign of wear.

stickguy · November 2004

that's pretty much what I'm doing with my tires. If they start to annoy me, I'll get new ones.

The roads my me don't tend to be too noisy with any tires, but I know that other parts of the country have much "noisier" pavement.

axiomowner · November 2004

As the weather has been getting colder here on Cape Cod, I've noticed the ride from the Potenza's getting stiffer and noisier. (At least the heat comes on really hot very quickly.)

My tC hasn't had any traction problems on wet roads. But, I'll have to admit that I'm a little nervous about Z rated tires in the snow. But, I'll wait until they wear out before trading up.

tdh21 · November 2004

I am considering the purchase of a Tc. I am stuck between "Super White" and "Indigo Ink". I have seen several white ones, but none of the Indigo. I was wondering if anyone has that color and pics they would like to share?

gtw · November 2004

My daughter has super white and most comments say that and the azure pearl are the 2 best looking.

axiomowner · November 2004

Here's Azure Pearl (The color I bought)
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/645368

Here's Indigo Ink (Another great color)
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/673926

Super White is great too!
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/641887

Of course all of the colors are good too!

crashtestidiot · November 2004

The Tc is too new in the US for any crashtest data to be out yet. However, the Toyota Avensis (same chassis and body, but with 4-doors instead of 2) sold in Europe has crashtest data out. There are two models of Avensis (the latest model is the brother of the Tc). The data show an excellent 5-star rating, with the Avensis actually achieving the HIGHEST rating for its class that the testing group has ever given a car (missed a perfect score by 2 points). Here's the link if you want to read about it, or check out their testing standards.

http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/details.php?id1=3&- amp;- amp;- amp;id2=172

The Avensis is under 'large family cars' (well... it is Europe, afterall). Apparently, the only problem with the car is that it doesn't enhance the health of pedestrians unfortunate enough to meet one at high speed... oh well, you can't have everything. I expect the Tc to have very similar results, although US testing standards are different (actually less severe in some areas), so we'll see.

iluvmysephia1 · November 2004

that information is indicative of a great testing result a little later on for the Scion tC. We shall have to wait and see.

Do you have a tC yet or are you researching the small car like me?

genee · November 2004

Finally a contact from Scion for those who have BOTH of these installed. THERE IS A NEW WIRING HARNESS being produced but it will not be available for six to eight weeks. Just like the TSB for the stereo door, there will be no announcement.

buckeyecase · November 2004

Actually the NHTSA crash test has been out for a few weeks now.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/3176.html

They only did the frontal test. The tC scored 5-stars for driver, 4-stars for passenger (out of 5).

jcf · December 2004

Coming from a rear wheel drive Miata, I am amazed and bothered by the powerful torque steer on this new tC. Are all front wheel drives like this?

Of course I'll accept it and get used to it, but I think it speaks better for the rear wheel drive cars.

stickguy · December 2004

the tC actually has very little torque steer for a FWD car. But, since I just sold a Miata, I know where you are cmoing from.

phxlady · December 2004

I haven't bought an American car since 1974. What took you so long to find out how great Japanese cars are?

I have wanted to buy American, but I live on a tight budget and they're just not as reliable.

kelley · December 2004

What tires did u go with? I hit a pothole and blew out the potenza & I want something more durable and cheaper!

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