Positioning:
The 2008 Scion tC was positioned as an affordable, sporty coupe aimed at younger buyers, offering a blend of style, practicality, and value. This manual supports that demographic's desire for DIY maintenance and repair.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Kia Spectra Coupe, emphasizing value and accessible performance.
Manual Value Proposition:
Official licensing from OE materials ensures accuracy and completeness, providing a significant cost saving compared to professional labor rates. Instant online access enhances convenience over traditional print manuals.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU/ECM), starting, charging.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, differential, drive axles, prop shaft (if applicable), wheel bearings.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering (power steering system, components), brakes (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), exterior lighting, interior lighting, wipers, washers.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternators, starter motors, lighting systems, power accessories, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator), brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, ball joints), exhaust system repair, steering component replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, component testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement:
2362 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
161 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
163 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified Synthetic or Conventional
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic with Sequential Shift
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Toyota ATF WS (World Standard) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Check specific manual for exact Toyota specification, e.g., 08885-00304)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
Traction Control:
Standard (TRAC)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (VSC - Vehicle Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback, auxiliary audio input jack. Optional premium audio with subwoofer and amplifier.
Display:
Digital clock display, optional touch screen navigation system (late 2008 models or as an accessory).
Bluetooth:
Optional (often part of Premium Upgrade Package or aftermarket)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil). Every 10,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil and severe usage conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 120,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Coolant:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) or equivalent silicate-free, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type (e.g., Toyota 00272-88005-01)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems And Solutions:
Potential for oil consumption in some engines (requiring PCV valve inspection/replacement and potential ring cleanup), occasional power steering pump noise, and ABS/VSC system faults (often related to wheel speed sensors or solenoids). The manual provides diagnostic procedures for these and other common issues.
Scion Origin:
Scion was a marque introduced by Toyota in 2003, targeting younger consumers with distinctive styling and a no-haggle pricing strategy.
First Gen Launch:
The first generation tC (XB10) was launched for the 2005 model year, replacing the discontinued Toyota Celica in Toyota's North American lineup.
2008 Updates:
The 2008 model year received a mid-cycle refresh, including updated exterior styling (grille, headlights, taillights), revised interior materials, and minor powertrain enhancements. This manual covers that refreshed model.
Assembly Location:
Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan (by Toyota Auto Body)
