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Scion tC Problems and Solutions - READ ONLY

599 messages,  Last post on Oct 30, 2006 at 1:06 AM

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What is this discussion about? Scion tC, Coupe

Messages Page 1 of 60

#1 of 599 Scion tC: Problems & Solutions. by volcomknurd

Jul 19, 2004 (10:52 pm)

i was curious if any current owners of the new tC have had any problems with theirs. i know its a brand new car, but nothing in life is perfect.

#2 of 599 Re: Scion tC: Problems & Solutions. [volcomknurd] by gtw

Jul 20, 2004 (6:31 am)

Replying to: volcomknurd (Jul 19, 2004 10:52 pm)
My daughter got hers July 3 and now has over 1,000 miles on it. No problems what so ever as of today.

#3 of 599 by stickguy

Jul 20, 2004 (7:08 am)

closest thing to a problem might be a slight plastic creak somewhere in the dash when I hit a bump.
 
One thing I did notice is that it seems to hold the revs slightly when you shift. That is, when you depress the clutch, it almost seems like I didn't let off the gas fully, even though I had. I used to have a Mystique that had a pronounced case of this (due to holding the revs for emissions reasons). I almost sense it more than hear it, and may just be overly anal about stuff like this, but I have never driven another one to compare.
 
Anyone with a 5 speed notice anything like this, or just think I'm nuts?

#4 of 599 prediction: by stickguy

Jul 20, 2004 (7:10 am)

This thread will never move to the top of Edmunds most active list . Overall, this is the best put together car I have ever bought (knock on wood). Almost at 500 miles, and getting ready for the second tank of gas.

#5 of 599 so far so good by deuce

Jul 20, 2004 (2:15 pm)

Funny, I also got my tC july 3, and have just over 1100 miles on it, no problems.

#6 of 599 Re: [stickguy] clutch and rev by tahlequah

Jul 20, 2004 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Jul 20, 2004 7:08 am)
my tc is doing exactly the same. In fact, it's so pronounced that I'm not yet convinced that the clutch isn't slipping - except for you perfect description of the event, stickguy. It really is felt more than heard and it seems most evident shifting into 3rd. That you experience this, too, makes me feel a little better and that it may be a product of the high rev value, not a fault per se.
 
other than that, every other complaint (if you could even call it that) is just cosmetic - and those hardly warrant a mention.
 
I just hit 450 miles on my tc (bought July 9). I'm averaging around 25 mpg, 50/50 highway/city. can't complain really.

#7 of 599 by stickguy

Jul 20, 2004 (6:54 pm)

at least it's not me. At some point I may ask the service department about it (at the first oil change if not before). IIRC, especially with the drive by wire throttle, cars can be set up to hold the revs for emission reasons. I remember with the Contique it was a common issue, and there was even a remedy (called "moosing") that involved putting a plug in some hose.
 
It is just noticable enough to be noticable, if that makes sense, but doesn't really detract from the driving experience. I just notice it.
 
Of course, if any owner finds out more about this, post for the rest of us.

#8 of 599 more on rev and clutch by tahlequah

Jul 20, 2004 (7:38 pm)

Got a Toyota enthusiast to drive my tc this evening just to double check my concerns RE: clutch activity - seems I'm not the only one having a tough time with a clean shift. They too had trouble with smoothness but remarked that it's a long throw and I shouldn't worry. Still, we're talking about two people who are very adept at driving a stick, both saying essentially the same thing; it's a long throw that doesn't make for a clean shift, especially at higher revs.
 
And while we're throwing out complaints, there is actually one other concern I have and that's the "missing" affect most especially on the highway. The enthusiast seemed to believe it's all due to the AC compressor draining the engine but, if that's the truth, it's one helluva drain. Certainly more than I've ever experienced in any other car. I also thought it was the compressor until I turned off the AC and it did it anyway. It does it less frequently and is less noticeable, but it's still there if you drive long enough. (of course, with the friend driving I ran into the "mechanic" scenario: you know something's wrong but the problem doesn't rear its ugly head in front of the mechanic and you end up looking a fool!)
 
Any ideas what else it could be besides the compressor? Is it possible that the engine is so hyped to work that a constant 60mph is a bother for it? I suppose that's a stretch. Maybe I'm just not used to a car with so much torque? That seems entirely possible to me.

#9 of 599 by stickguy

Jul 20, 2004 (8:31 pm)

I have no idea what the "missing" effect is. Can you describe the sensation? ALmost sounds like you are talking about a miss or a skip, and I haven't noticed anything like that. I will pay attention on Friday when I take another highway run, hopefully without tons of rain.
 
By long throws, did you mean the clutch travel is long, or the shifter throws (which I don't consider long)? I notice the rev sensation when depressing the clutch (as if I hadn't lifted entirely off the gas), but have no problems with a clean engage. I also have been pretty gentle with it so far. Once it is fully broken in, I'll play some more with quicker shifts and shifting at higher RPM.
 
I believe the tC does have drive by wire throttle, so it is software deciding what RPMs to be at, not the driver's right foot. if thats the issue, its possible that a reflash might be in order. Or we will just get used to it and eventually won't even notice.
 
Biggest problem I have with being smooth is going back and forth to my Miata, which has a very stiff clutch with extremely short travel. Great for fast driving, not so great for getting stuck in traffic.

#10 of 599 Re: more on rev and clutch [tahlequah] by rodzilla

Jul 21, 2004 (6:53 pm)

Replying to: tahlequah (Jul 20, 2004 7:38 pm)
When I am babying the vehicle, due to the long clutch travel, I have a tough time getting a smooth start. When I drive it more aggressively, it shifts a lot smoother. Keep the revs up and it goes without any jerking. Keep shifts under 3K RPM, and live with a choppier ride. Until I pass a 1000 miles, I really don't want to push it. So, I live with rougher starts.
 
I think the engine rev when engaging the clutch is for when you downshift. It's blipping the throttle for you to make for a smoother transition. Although, it doesn't quite feel right when it's happening on the upshifts. Personally, I'd prefer to match revs on my own on the downshift and not have the engine rev extra every time I engage the clutch.
 
I too ran into the "skipping" thing on the highway. It's a perceptible nudge I can feel when tooling along. Almost as if the engine skipped for a fraction of a second. It is a bit disconcerting. It shouldn't have anything to do with the amount of torque the engine puts out. It's just a wait and see thing for the long term. Hopefully, it's just a software reprogram for both issues.
 
Stick shifts owned
81 DeLorean (Mom's car. Learned how to drive a stick on this.)
81 Trans Am (M21. Heavy duty racing clutch. Brutal workout.)
80 Chevette (What do you expect for 50 bucks?)
90 Maxima (Very nice and connected feel)
00 Maxima (Ugh. Not very forgiving.)
 
Smoothest and nicest clutch so far was a test drive in an 04 Mazda3S. It is just about the nicest stick I've driven. Supremely forgiving. Unfortunately, the price difference and a lack of adjustability in the seating tipped the balance in favor of the tC. Or maybe I should say fortunately

Messages Page 1 of 60

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