An illuminated Check Engine Light could be caused by a defective VVT-i controller, which changes cam timing for optimal power. Updated parts are available and the repair may be covered under the powertrain warranty.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Scion tC
Scion tC Models:
Scion tC Problems
CEL - Error Code 420: Catalytic Converter
Exhaust & Emissions --
garyla
and 5 others
Check Engine Light Illuminated
Problem: Diagnostic Showed Error Code 420: "Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
Solution: Free Replacement by Dealer Under California 7yr/70k or Federal 8yr/80k Warranty Covering Emissions Parts
Vehicles May Exhibit Multiple Electrical Issues When Exposed to Extreme Cold Conditions
Electrical & Lights --
Verified
Some vehicles may develop a condition where they cannot be shifted from "Park" to "Drive" and/or multiple warning lights illuminate when exposed to extreme cold conditions (-14 degrees F) or lower. Our technicians tell us the ignition (IG) relay should be replaced with an updated part to correct this concern.
Scion tC Recalls (Recent)
Certain Airbags May Not Deploy as Expected
Body, Interior & Misc., April 6, 2006
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On 133 vehicles, certain airbag inflators were assembled with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper airbag deployment. In the event of a crash, if the airbag does not deploy as expected, the risk of injury will increase. Dealers will replace only the suspect airbags to correct this concern. The Toyota recall number is 60B. The Lexus recall number is 6LB.
Side Airbags Could Inadvertently Deploy
Body, Interior & Misc., November 6, 2006
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The side impact airbags may inadvertently deploy. This can occur if a door is closed with excessive force while the ignition is on or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition off. Personal injury could occur to an occupant seated where the airbags deploy. Dealers will replace the two side impact airbag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin on November 6, 2006. The Toyota recall number is SCC 60H.
Load Carrying Modification Label Missing
Body, Interior & Misc., May 27, 2010
RepairPal Expert Overview:
These vehicle were sold without the required load carrying captivity modification label. Dealers will mail the corrected label to vehicle owners. Owners have the option of requesting that the dealer install the label. This recall is expected to begin on May 27, 2010.
Load Carrying Capacity Modification Labels Are Missing
Body, Interior & Misc., September 18, 2009
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The load carrying capacity modification label may be missing from the vehicle. This information provides maximum load carrying weights as well as information about required tires and wheels. If not present, an inappropriate load may be carried in the vehicle, increasing a safety risk. Toyota has supplied customers with a new label to affix to the vehicle. This recall began on August 18, 2009.
Sunroof Wind Deflector May Shatter
Body, Interior & Misc., October 27, 2006
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The glass sunroof wind deflector may shatter if impacted by a projectile such as road debris and separate from the frame. Pieces of the broken deflector may fall on the vehicle occupants, causing driver distraction and/or injury. Dealers will install a protective laminate to the wind deflector to prevent pieces of glass from separating from the frame. This recall began on October 27, 2005. The Scion recall number is 50S.
Scion tC Questions and Answers
bd09, 2005 Scion tC, New Brunswick, NJ
My air conditioning is not blowing very cold air. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do? I saw on this site it said something about a cable adjustment, what cable is this?
jenzyann, 2005 Scion tC, New Port Richey, FL
How long should your a/c compressor last? And roughly what should one cost if it needs replaced? Should the places check first if it just needs charged?
Visitor, 2005 Scion tC, Newport, PA
Last year my AC system stopped working, I got it back to full with freon because it ran a little low. After filling it the AC system still didn't work and someone told me you have to reset the...
chrispymn99, 2005 Scion tC, Villa Park, IL
I am having quite a large problem with my a/c unit. Whenever I have the a/c running and making a hard left turn, I hear sizzling water by my glove box. When I opened up the cover under the glove b...
bagboy, 2005 Scion tC, Mobile, AL
Speedometer not working , ABS light on , tire pressure light on
Replaced speed sensor still Same Issues ( Even swopped sensors around has (2) sensors
HELP !!!!!!
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Scion tC Reviews
Bought this car in 2007 with 20k miles on it, and it now has 100,000k miles and have never had any major problems with it. The only issues that I've had are instances such as interior console lights "burning" out and my power door locks failing, but then working again, and then not working again, all on their own. Sometimes my interior vent fans just don't turn on, and my radio freezes up. I believe my car has some interior electrical shorts and issues because of these problems. My sunroof will randomly get stuck open, and there is no manual way to close it. My key has fallen apart to shreds, and the unlock button is gone. Also, around 90k miles, I began to notice a creaking/ grinding noise coming from the front suspension. I have had this checked out by the dealer, and was told there were no issues, but the noise has gotten substantially worse. THIS CAR EATS THROUGH TIRES! This is the other area of grip I have with this car. Because you can only put low profile tires on it, there is very little grip during any type of rain (forget about driving in snow), and the tires do not last long at all. I can get 30k miles out of one set if I'm lucky. I'm on my 4th set of tires since I bought the car! My last set, I drove them down until the steel belts were fraying out of the sides (by complete accident). The interior has held up very well, with the occasional scratch here and there, a loose panel every once in a while, but they pop right back in. Otherwise, the engine and transmission have been great! Gas mileage leaves something to be desired for such a small car, but it's not terrible. Excluding tires, this car is affordable to maintain, and I would recommend it to someone who is not bothered by constant tire purchases.
Great car only problem was hit a pot hole at 45mph and tore up my upper and lower controll arms, hub, crossmember, tie rod, and the A-frame... but good car none the less
LOVE my Tc!!! It has been a great reliable car. The Tc may not have all the bells and whistles, but it had everything I wanted for a decent price. We have had ours for 7 years now and would purchase another. The down side over the years were the low profile tires, you hit a pot hole and forget it!
First year I've got mine, it was good. Runs smooth with no problems. Second year I started to notice that the tires are giving me problems, since they are sporty and low profile tires its just always giving me problems. The pressure tire light is constantly on and its always getting to me because I feel like something is constantly wrong with my tires. I always go do my oil change at the manufacturer where I got my car, everytime I go in they will reset those lights off. But after a couple hours when I drive off, it comes back on again! I've had the car since 2005, going on my 8th year now. At this very moment, the check engine light is on and now my car is having weird noises. Its soo stressful, now dmv wants me to smog my car and I know with that CEL it won't pass smog. Damn!What should I do? What is wrong with my car?
Pros: Incredible Value - Great Design - Brakes/ABS - Extremely Reliable - Fun to drive with stick shift - Tons of customization options - Only one significant repair in almost 7 years (below) - Glass roof with moonroof/sunroof combo
Cons - Minor, intermittent rattles - Catalytic converter replaced (for free w/ warranty) at 55,000 miles - Handling is so-so unless you upgrade the suspension components
Scion tC Model Years
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