Removing interior trim from your 2013 Scion tC can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a manageable DIY task. Whether you’re aiming to customize your interior, access components for repair, or locate the OBD2 port panel, this guide will walk you through the process of safely removing various interior trims, including those potentially around the OBD2 port area.
Disclaimer: Please proceed at your own risk. This guide is based on personal experience and is intended for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle during this process.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth and damage-free trim removal:
- Large Flat Head Screwdriver: For prying and releasing larger trim clips.
- Small Flat Head Screwdriver: For smaller, more delicate clips and panels.
- Large Phillips Head Screwdriver: For removing larger Phillips head screws.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: For smaller Phillips head screws in tighter spaces.
- Small Ratchet with 10mm and 12mm sockets (or wrenches): For bolts in various trim locations.
- Medium Ratchet with extensions and 10mm and 12mm sockets: Useful for deeper set bolts.
- Scissors: For cutting zip ties, if necessary.
Alt: Essential tools laid out for Scion tC interior trim removal, featuring screwdrivers, sockets, and a ratchet.
Safety First: Disconnecting the Battery
Before starting any electrical or trim work, it’s crucial to disconnect your car battery. This prevents accidental electrical shorts and airbag deployment. Locate your battery terminals and use a wrench to disconnect both the positive and negative cables.
Alt: Safely disconnecting the negative battery terminal of a car using a wrench to prevent electrical issues during trim removal.
Alt: A detailed view of a disconnected car battery terminal, emphasizing safety precautions for automotive DIY.
Step-by-Step Interior Trim Removal
Let’s begin removing the interior trims piece by piece. We’ll start with the driver’s side and move across the dashboard.
1. Driver’s Side Door Panel Trim
Open the driver’s side door. Locate the slot at the bottom of the door panel trim. Insert the large flat head screwdriver into this slot and gently pull outwards to release the first clip. Once the initial clip is free, firmly pull the trim away from the door. Don’t be hesitant to apply some force, as these clips are designed to hold securely.
Alt: Using a large flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the door panel trim of a Scion tC, starting from the bottom slot.
Alt: Detaching the Scion tC door panel trim by firmly pulling it away from the door after releasing the initial clip.
2. Radio Trim Panel
Moving to the center dash, use the large flat head screwdriver again. Position it under the radio trim panel and gently pry outwards to release the first clip. Once the initial clip pops, pull the trim away from the dash. Like the door panel, these clips can be robust, so apply firm, even pressure.
Alt: Prying the radio trim panel of a Scion tC using a flathead screwdriver to access the clips underneath.
Alt: Detaching the radio trim panel from the dashboard of a Scion tC, revealing the underlying components.
3. Clock and Security Indicator
After removing the radio trim, you’ll see the clock/security indicator plugged in. Gently unplug this connector.
Alt: Disconnecting the clock and security indicator plug from the Scion tC dashboard after trim removal.
4. LCD Screen and Radio Trim Separation
Carefully detach the LCD screen from the radio trim. It’s held by small clips that can be released with your fingernails or a small flat head screwdriver. Once the clips are loose, the screen can be removed from the trim.
Alt: Separating the LCD screen from the radio trim of a Scion tC by releasing small clips, using fingertips for delicate work.
5. Glovebox Upper Dash Trim
Open your glovebox. Above it, you’ll find another dash trim piece. Pull this trim piece out from the dash. It is secured by just a few clips.
Alt: Pulling out the upper dash trim panel located above the glovebox in a Scion tC, revealing its clip-based attachment.
6. Mirror Control Trim
On the driver’s side dash, locate the mirror control trim. Use the flat head screwdriver behind the mirror control trim and pull outwards to pop the first clip. Once this clip is released, the rest of the mirror control trim should pull out easily.
Alt: Using a flathead screwdriver to begin removing the mirror control trim on the dashboard of a Scion tC.
Alt: Disconnecting the electrical plugs from the mirror control trim panel of a Scion tC after detaching it from the dash.
7. Mirror Control Buttons Removal
Remove the mirror control buttons from the trim. Push in the clips on each side of the button assembly and push it out from the front of the trim.
Alt: Detaching the mirror control buttons from the trim of a Scion tC by pressing side clips and pushing them out.
8. Speedometer Trim
Tilt your steering wheel all the way down and pull it towards you as far as it goes. Then, pull the speedometer trim straight out from the dash. It’s held by just two clips.
Alt: Removing the speedometer trim panel of a Scion tC by pulling it straight out, showcasing its clip-based attachment.
Alt: Unscrewing the top screws of the speedometer trim in a Scion tC, preparing for further disassembly.
9. Aluminum Speedometer Trim
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws at the top of the speedometer trim. After removing the screws, you can detach the aluminum trim from the speedometer trim. Use your fingernails or a flat head screwdriver to gently release the clips around the aluminum trim.
Alt: Separating the aluminum trim from the speedometer trim of a Scion tC by releasing the clips, using a flathead screwdriver for leverage.
Alt: A detailed shot of aluminum trim being detached from the speedometer trim of a Scion tC, highlighting the clip mechanism.
10. Dash Piece Between Steering Wheel and Radio
Pull out the dash piece located between the steering wheel and the radio. For models with push start, you’ll need to disconnect the button from the back once the trim is pulled out. This piece is held in place by clips and is usually easy to remove.
Alt: Pulling out the dash trim piece situated between the steering wheel and radio in a Scion tC, showing its clip-based mounting.
11. Passenger Side Kick Panel
Pull out the passenger side kick panel. It’s held by a few clips. Simply pull it away from the dash.
Alt: Detaching the passenger side kick panel of a Scion tC by pulling it away from the dash, revealing its clip attachments.
12. USB/Stick Trim
Pull out the USB/stick trim panel. This is also held by clips and can be easily pulled away from the dash.
Alt: Removing the USB/stick trim panel from the Scion tC dashboard, highlighting its simple clip-based removal.
Alt: Disconnecting the USB and traction control plugs from the Scion tC dashboard after removing the trim panel.
13. Aluminum Stick Trim
Remove the aluminum stick trim from the dash trim. It should pull out without much resistance.
Alt: Separating the aluminum stick trim from the dash trim panel of a Scion tC, showing its easy detachment.
14. Shifter Trim
Twist off the shifter knob. Then, pull off the shifter trim from the shifter base. It simply pulls away from the rubber boot.
Alt: Twisting off the shifter knob of a Scion tC in preparation for trim removal around the shifter area.
Alt: Removing the shifter trim from the base of a Scion tC by pulling it away from the rubber boot.
15. Cigarette Lighter Dash Piece
Pull out the dash piece holding the cigarette lighter. It’s held by clips. Pull it away from the dash. You can disconnect the cigarette lighter plug, or carefully let it hang to the side.
Alt: Removing the dash piece containing the cigarette lighter in a Scion tC by pulling it away from the dash.
16. A/C Gauge Assembly
Pull the A/C gauge assembly out from the dash. This is also held by clips.
Alt: Detaching the A/C gauge assembly from the Scion tC dashboard by pulling it straight out, showing its clip mounting.
17. Removing A/C Gauges
Remove the A/C gauges by releasing the clips on each side of each gauge and pulling them out from the back.
Alt: Detaching individual A/C gauges from their assembly in a Scion tC by releasing side clips and pulling from the rear.
18. Gauge Trim Removal
Remove the trim from each gauge. Pull the clip from each corner and pull the trim out from the front.
Alt: Separating the trim from an A/C gauge in a Scion tC by releasing corner clips and pulling the trim forward.
19. Glovebox Removal
Remove the glovebox by pushing in each side and pulling it out.
Alt: Detaching the glovebox of a Scion tC by pushing in the sides and pulling it out, demonstrating a common car maintenance step.
20. Dash Piece Behind Glovebox
Remove the dash piece located behind the glove box. Pull it away from the dash.
Alt: Pulling out the dash trim panel situated behind the glovebox in a Scion tC, revealing its position and clip-based removal.
21. Phillips Head Screws on Dash
Now, you will find various Phillips head screws around the dash. Remove these screws. These are in locations now exposed by removing the previous trim pieces.
Alt: Unscrewing Phillips head screws from the dashboard of a Scion tC, using a Phillips head screwdriver for auto maintenance.
Alt: Another view of Phillips head screws being removed from the Scion tC dashboard, part of interior disassembly for repairs or upgrades.
Alt: Further Phillips head screws being unscrewed from the Scion tC dash, essential for accessing deeper components.
22. Speedometer Removal
Pull the speedometer away from the dash and disconnect it from its harness.
Alt: Detaching the speedometer from the Scion tC dashboard and disconnecting its wiring harness.
Alt: Close-up of disconnecting the wiring harness from the speedometer of a Scion tC during dashboard disassembly.
23. Screws Behind Speedometer
Remove the two screws that were behind the speedometer.
Alt: Unscrewing the screws located behind where the speedometer was in a Scion tC, part of dashboard trim removal.
24. Airbag Plugs and Glovebox Bolts
Locate and remove the two airbag plugs and the three bolts that were behind the glove box area.
Alt: Detaching airbag plugs and unscrewing glovebox bolts in a Scion tC, crucial for safely removing the dashboard.
Alt: A detailed view of airbag plug removal in a Scion tC, emphasizing safety during dashboard disassembly.
25. Pillar Trim Removal
Gently pull the pillar trim off. It’s held by clips and twist clips. First, pop the clips by pulling away from the wall, then turn the twist clips 90 degrees to allow removal.
Alt: Detaching the pillar trim from the side of a Scion tC, showing the initial pull to release clips.
Alt: A detailed view of the twist clip on a Scion tC’s pillar trim, illustrating the mechanism for removal.
26. Bolts Behind Pillar Trim
Remove the bolt on each side of the vehicle that the pillars were hiding.
Alt: Unscrewing the bolts that were concealed behind the pillar trim on each side of a Scion tC.
27. Top Dash Removal
Pull the whole top dash out. Be careful as the passenger airbag will still be attached to the dash. It will come out with the dash assembly.
Alt: Removing the entire top dash assembly of a Scion tC, carefully handling the attached passenger airbag.
Alt: An overhead view of the removed dash assembly from a Scion tC, displaying the extent of interior disassembly.
28. Vent and A/C Tube Screws
Remove the various Phillips head screws holding on the vents and the A/C tubes.
Alt: Unscrewing Phillips head screws that secure the vents and A/C tubes to the dash assembly of a Scion tC.
Alt: Another angle of screws being removed to detach vents and A/C tubes from the Scion tC dash assembly.
Alt: Further Phillips head screws being unscrewed from the Scion tC dash to release vents and A/C components.
Alt: Additional Phillips head screws being removed for complete vent and A/C tube disassembly from the Scion tC dash.
Alt: The last Phillips head screws being unscrewed to fully detach the vents and A/C tubes from the Scion tC dash assembly.
29. Driver and Middle Vent Removal
Once the screws are removed, the driver’s side vent and the middle vent can be easily taken out from the back.
Alt: Detaching the driver and middle vents from the Scion tC dash assembly by pushing them out from the rear.
30. Aluminum Vent Trim
The aluminum trim on the vents can be pulled off by releasing the clips around them.
Alt: Separating the aluminum trim from the vents of a Scion tC by releasing the clips around the edges.
31. Passenger Vent Removal
The passenger vent can be removed by pulling off the two clips and pulling the vent out from the back.
Alt: Detaching the passenger vent from the Scion tC dash assembly by releasing clips and pushing it out from the back.
32. Aluminum Passenger Vent Trim
The aluminum trim on the passenger vent can be pulled off by pulling the clips up and pulling the trim off the front.
Alt: Separating the aluminum trim from the passenger vent of a Scion tC by lifting clips and pulling the trim forward.
33. Steering Wheel Side Panel Removal
Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the panel on each side of the steering wheel plastic housing.
Alt: Using a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the side panel of the steering wheel housing in a Scion tC.
34. Steering Wheel Locking Mechanism
A small vertical rod will be visible from each side after removing the side panels. Using a screwdriver, push this rod towards the other side to release a locking mechanism. Repeat on both sides.
Alt: Pushing the vertical locking rod within the steering wheel housing of a Scion tC with a screwdriver to release the mechanism.
35. Center Steering Wheel Removal
Pull the center of the steering wheel out and place it on top of the steering wheel. It can be unplugged and completely removed, but for this trim removal, it’s not necessary to fully detach it.
Alt: Pulling out the center section of the steering wheel in a Scion tC, placing it on top for temporary removal.
Alt: The center section of a Scion tC steering wheel placed on top after removal, showing temporary positioning.
36. Screws in Center Steering Wheel
Remove the four Phillips head screws in the center of the steering wheel.
Alt: Unscrewing the four Phillips head screws located in the center of the steering wheel of a Scion tC.
37. Cutting Zip Tie and Disconnecting Steering Wheel Controls
Using scissors, cut the zip tie holding the wires going to the steering wheel controls. Disconnect the steering wheel control connectors.
Alt: Cutting the zip tie securing wires for steering wheel controls in a Scion tC, preparing for disconnection.
38. Side Steering Wheel Trim Removal
Pull the side steering wheel trims out. They are held on by clips.
Alt: Detaching the side trim pieces of the steering wheel in a Scion tC by pulling them outwards to release clips.
39. Turning Steering Wheel Upside Down
Turn the steering wheel upside down as much as possible until it locks.
Alt: Rotating the steering wheel of a Scion tC upside down until it locks, a step in dashboard trim removal.
40. Hidden Screw Behind Lower Steering Wheel Trim
Directly behind the lower steering wheel trim, push in the plastic enough to expose a hidden Phillips head screw. While pushing in the plastic, remove this screw.
Alt: Pushing in the plastic of the lower steering wheel trim in a Scion tC to reveal a hidden Phillips head screw.
41. Middle Steering Wheel Trim Removal
With the hidden screw removed, pull the middle steering wheel trim out away from the dash.
Alt: Detaching the middle trim piece of the steering wheel in a Scion tC by pulling it away from the dashboard.
42. Steering Wheel Control Screws
Remove the three small Phillips head screws holding the steering wheel controls to the steering wheel trim.
Alt: Unscrewing the small Phillips head screws that secure the steering wheel controls to the trim in a Scion tC.
43. Steering Wheel Controls Removal
The controls can now be taken out from the back of the trim.
Alt: Taking out the steering wheel controls from the back of the trim in a Scion tC after screw removal.
OBD2 Port Access and Panel
While this guide focuses on general interior trim removal, accessing the OBD2 port is often a primary reason for removing lower dash panels. In the 2013 Scion tC, the OBD2 port is typically located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, often near the steering column.
By following these steps, particularly those involving the lower dash panels and kick panels, you should gain clear access to the OBD2 port. In many vehicles, the OBD2 port is not directly behind a removable panel but is mounted to a bracket that becomes accessible once surrounding trim is removed.
Alt: A Scion tC dashboard with substantial trim removed, likely exposing the area where the OBD2 port is located for diagnostic access.
Reassembly
After completing your modifications or repairs, reassembly is the reverse of the removal process. Take your time, ensure all clips and screws are properly aligned, and gently snap or screw pieces back into place.
Before Customization:
Alt: The original interior of a Scion tC before any trim modifications or removals were performed.
During Customization:
Alt: Scion tC interior trim pieces being painted during customization, part of an automotive DIY project.
After Customization:
Alt: The customized interior of a Scion tC after trim pieces have been painted and reinstalled, showcasing the result of DIY work.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to safely and effectively remove the interior trim in your 2013 Scion tC, access the OBD2 port area, and complete your desired modifications or repairs. Remember to work carefully and enjoy the process!
