Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Scion

Scion common faults and how to fix them

Faults that are well known on Scion models we hold manuals for: what the owner notices, what causes it, and the pages in our manuals that cover the repair.

Scion tC P0011 and P0016: VVT-i actuator (2005–2006)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with P0011 (intake camshaft timing over-advanced), P0012 (over-retarded) or P0016 (camshaft and crankshaft position correlation). The engine may otherwise run normally.

Cause

Toyota bulletin EG009-07 covers 2005–2006 Scion tC models built before a production change. It says that in some cases the cause is the VVT-i actuator, the oil-pressure-driven unit on the intake camshaft that varies the valve timing. The bulletin's test separates an actuator fault from other causes.

Fix

Check the oil level and condition first and change the oil if needed. Then follow the Scion tC P0011 bulletin to test the VVT-i actuator's operation. If it fails the test, the actuator is replaced with the revised part listed. Check the camshaft timing marks when the actuator is refitted, then clear the codes and road test.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: Toyota technical service bulletin EG009-07.

Scion tC check engine light: EVAP codes P0441, P0455 and P0456 (2005–2010)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with evaporative emissions codes: P0455 with P0441, or P0456. The car drives normally, and the code may return after being cleared if the cause hasn't been found.

Cause

Toyota bulletin SB0030-09 covers 2005–2010 Scion tC models built before a production change. Its repair procedure starts with the fuel filler cap, and the revised bulletin notes that replacing the fuel filler pipe, part of the earlier repair, is no longer required.

Fix

Inspect the fuel cap and its seal, and replace the cap as the Scion tC EVAP bulletin directs, then follow its remaining steps. Clear the codes and let the EVAP monitor run on a later drive to confirm the fix before looking at other parts of the system, such as the canister and purge valve.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: Toyota technical service bulletin SB0030-09 (revision 1).

Scion xB ignition coils: P0351 to P0354 (2008–2009)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with ignition coil circuit codes P0351, P0352, P0353 or P0354. Code P2237 (air-fuel sensor circuit) may also be set.

Cause

Toyota bulletin SB0028-09 covers 2008–2009 Scion xB models with the 2.4 (2AZ-FE) engine. Toyota improved the ignition coil assembly to correct the fault, and the bulletin notes that a faulty coil can also be the cause of the accompanying P2237 code.

Fix

Read the codes and note which cylinder's coil they point to. The Scion xB ignition coil bulletin replaces the coils with the improved assembly. Do this repair first if P2237 is also set, before replacing the air-fuel sensor. Check the spark plugs while the coils are out, then clear all the codes and road test.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: Toyota technical service bulletin SB0028-09.

Scion xD recall: brake vacuum port can freeze in very cold weather (2008–2009)

Symptoms

In extremely cold weather the brake pedal becomes much harder to press and stopping distances increase, because the brake servo has lost its vacuum assistance.

Cause

NHTSA recall 09V338000 covers about 105,800 vehicles, including 2008–2009 Scion xD and 2009–2010 Corolla and Matrix models with the 1.8 engine, sold or registered in cold US states. In extremely low temperatures, condensation from the crankcase ventilation can freeze and block the intake manifold port that supplies vacuum to the brake servo.

Fix

Check with a Toyota or Scion dealer that the recall has been done; the remedy fits a newly designed intake air connector that moves the brake vacuum port. If the pedal goes hard in cold weather, have the brake servo vacuum supply checked before driving further. The Scion xD brake recall notice lists the states covered.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: NHTSA recall 09V338000.