Taking apart the interior of your car might seem daunting, but for many modifications and repairs, accessing components behind the panels is necessary. Whether you’re upgrading your audio system, installing new accessories, or addressing a repair, knowing how to safely remove interior panels is a valuable skill. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough for removing various interior trims in your 2013 Scion tC. While this guide focuses on interior trim, understanding panel removal can also be helpful if you need to access the OBD2 port, though typically the OBD2 port area has a dedicated, easily accessible panel.
Disclaimer: Please remember that this guide is for informational purposes only. Modifying your vehicle is done at your own risk. The procedures outlined here are based on personal experience and should be followed carefully. We are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle that may occur during this process. If you are uncomfortable with any step, it is always best to consult a professional mechanic.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
- Large Flat Head Screwdriver: For prying and releasing larger clips.
- Small Flat Head Screwdriver: For smaller clips and detail work.
- Large Phillips Head Screwdriver: For larger Phillips head screws.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: For smaller Phillips head screws.
- Small Ratchet with 10mm and 12mm sockets (or 10mm and 12mm wrenches): For removing bolts and nuts in tight spaces.
- Medium Ratchet with Extensions and 10mm and 12mm sockets: For easier access to deeper bolts.
- Scissors: For cutting zip ties, if needed.
- Trim Removal Tools (Optional but Recommended): Plastic trim removal tools can help prevent damage to your vehicle’s interior panels compared to using screwdrivers.
A collection of tools recommended for safely removing interior trim panels from a 2013 Scion tC, including various screwdrivers and ratchets.
Step-by-Step Interior Trim Removal Guide
Safety First: Disconnect the Battery
Before starting any work on your car’s electrical system, it’s crucial to disconnect the battery. This prevents accidental shorts and protects your car’s electronics, especially when dealing with airbags or sensitive components. Disconnect both the positive and negative terminals for added safety.
Close-up view of disconnecting the negative battery terminal in a car engine bay, a crucial safety step before starting interior trim removal.
The disconnected negative battery terminal, ensuring the car’s electrical system is safely powered down for interior work.
1. Removing the Driver’s Side Door Panel Trim
Begin with the driver’s side door panel trim. Open the door fully to provide ample working space.
- Locate the Slot: Find the small slot on the bottom edge of the door panel trim.
- Release the First Clip: Insert the large flat head screwdriver into this slot and gently pull outwards. This will release the first retaining clip.
Using a large flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the initial clip of the driver’s side door panel trim on a Scion tC.
- Remove the Trim: Once the first clip is loose, carefully pull the trim panel away from the door. The clips are designed to be sturdy, so don’t hesitate to use firm, even pressure. Avoid jerking motions to prevent damage.
Demonstrating the removal of the door panel trim by gently pulling it away from the car door after releasing the initial clips.
2. Removing the Radio Trim Panel
Next, we’ll tackle the trim panel surrounding the radio and center console area.
- Locate the Edge: Find an edge of the radio trim panel where you can insert a tool.
- Pop the First Clip: Use the large flat head screwdriver, or ideally a plastic trim tool, to gently pry behind the radio trim panel. Apply slight pressure until you hear or feel the first clip pop loose.
Carefully using a flathead screwdriver to begin prying off the radio trim panel, starting at an edge to release the first clip.
- Remove the Trim Panel: Once the initial clip is released, carefully pull the rest of the radio trim panel away from the dashboard. Again, the clips can be firm, so apply steady pressure.
Continuing to remove the radio trim panel by pulling it away from the dashboard, showcasing the released clips and the panel’s removal.
- Disconnect Clock/Security Indicator: After removing the trim panel, you may find a connector for the clock or security indicator light. Gently unplug this connector.
Demonstrating the disconnection of the clock and security indicator light connector from the removed radio trim panel.
- Remove LCD and Screen (Optional): If needed, you can further disassemble the radio trim by removing the LCD screen. Look for small clips holding it in place. These can usually be released with your fingernails or a small flathead screwdriver.
Showing the removal of the LCD screen from the radio trim panel by releasing small clips, allowing for further disassembly.
3. Removing the Glove Box Upper Trim Panel
Moving to the passenger side, let’s remove the trim panel located above the glove box.
- Open the Glove Box: Open the glove box to access the trim panel above it.
- Pull Outwards: Grip the dash trim panel above the glove box and gently pull it outwards. This panel is held in place by clips and should detach with moderate force.
Demonstrating the removal of the dash trim panel above the glove box by pulling it outwards to release the retaining clips.
4. Removing the Mirror Control Trim Panel
Now, let’s remove the trim panel that houses the mirror control switch.
- Locate Insertion Point: Find a point behind the mirror control trim where you can insert a tool.
- Pop the First Clip: Use the flat head screwdriver or trim tool to gently pry and pop out the first clip holding the mirror control trim.
Using a flathead screwdriver to start prying off the mirror control trim panel, aiming to release the initial retaining clip.
- Remove the Trim Panel: Once the first clip is released, pull the rest of the mirror control trim panel outwards to remove it.
Continuing to remove the mirror control trim panel, showing it being pulled away from the dashboard after clip release.
- Disconnect Connectors: Unplug the electrical connectors attached to the mirror control trim. The number of connectors may vary depending on your car’s options (e.g., fog lights, Bluetooth).
Showing the disconnection of electrical connectors from the backside of the removed mirror control trim panel.
- Remove Mirror Control Buttons: If necessary, you can remove the mirror control buttons from the trim panel. Push in the clips on each side of the button assembly from the back to release it.
Demonstrating how to remove the mirror control buttons from their trim panel by pushing in retaining clips.
5. Removing the Speedometer and Steering Column Trims
Let’s move to the steering column area to remove the speedometer trim and surrounding panels.
- Tilt Steering Wheel: Tilt your steering wheel all the way down and extend it as far out as it will go. This provides more room to work.
Showing the steering wheel fully tilted downwards to create more space for removing surrounding trim panels.
- Pull Out Speedometer Trim: Grip the speedometer trim panel and pull it straight out away from the dash. It is held by clips.
Demonstrating the removal of the speedometer trim panel by pulling it straight out from the dashboard to release the clips.
- Remove Screws (Top of Speedometer Trim): Once the speedometer trim is loose, locate and remove the two Phillips head screws at the top.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws located at the top of the speedometer trim panel.
- Remove Aluminum Trim (Speedometer Trim): If applicable, you can remove the aluminum trim piece from the speedometer trim. Use your fingernails or a small flathead screwdriver to release the clips around the aluminum trim piece.
Showing the removal of the aluminum trim piece from the speedometer trim panel by releasing the clips around its edges.
- Dash Piece (Steering Wheel & Radio): Pull out the dash piece located between the steering wheel and the radio. This panel is also held by clips. If your Scion tC is an RS model with push-button start, you’ll need to disconnect the button connector after removing the trim.
Pulling out the dash piece positioned between the steering wheel and the radio, illustrating its clip-based attachment.
6. Removing Lower Dash and Console Trims
Continuing down the center console, we’ll remove the passenger kick panel, USB/stick trim, and shifter trim.
- Passenger Kick Panel: Pull out the passenger side kick panel. It’s held by clips. Pull firmly away from the dash.
Demonstrating the removal of the passenger kick panel by pulling it away from the dash to release the clips.
- USB / Stick Trim: Pull out the trim panel that houses the USB port and potentially the traction control button. This trim is also clip-mounted and pulls straight out.
Pulling out the USB/stick trim panel, illustrating its removal from the dashboard area.
- Disconnect USB and Traction Control: Once the USB/stick trim panel is removed, disconnect the USB and traction control connectors if present.
Showing the disconnection of USB and traction control plugs from the back of the removed trim panel.
- Remove Aluminum Stick Trim (USB Trim): If applicable, remove the aluminum trim piece from the USB trim panel by simply pulling it off.
Removing the aluminum trim piece from the USB trim panel by simply pulling it off its base.
- Shifter Knob: Twist off the shifter knob counter-clockwise to remove it.
Demonstrating the removal of the shifter knob by twisting it counter-clockwise off the gear shift lever.
- Shifter Trim: Pull the shifter trim panel upwards away from the shifter base. It’s held by clips around the rubber boot.
Pulling off the shifter trim panel from around the gear shift lever, showing its removal from the rubber base.
- Cigarette Lighter Trim: Pull out the dash piece that houses the cigarette lighter (or 12V power socket). This is clip-mounted. You can disconnect the cigarette lighter connector, or carefully set the trim piece aside.
Pulling out the dash piece containing the cigarette lighter socket, showing it being removed from the dashboard.
7. Removing the A/C Control Panel and Vents
Moving to the center of the dash, we’ll remove the A/C control panel and surrounding vent trims.
- A/C Gauge Assembly: Pull the A/C gauge assembly straight out from the dash. It’s held by clips.
Demonstrating the removal of the A/C gauge assembly by pulling it straight out from the center dashboard area.
- Remove A/C Gauges: From the back of the A/C control panel, release the clips on each side of each gauge and push the gauges out.
Removing the individual A/C gauges from their assembly by releasing clips on each side and pushing them out.
- Remove Trim from Gauges: If needed, you can remove the trim rings from the gauges. Release the clips on each corner and pull the trim off the front.
Removing the trim pieces from the individual A/C gauges by releasing clips at each corner and pulling them off.
8. Removing the Glove Box and Upper Dash
For deeper access into the dashboard, we’ll remove the glove box and the upper dash panel.
- Remove Glove Box: Open the glove box and push inwards on each side of the glove box to release the stoppers. The glove box will then swing down further and can be unhooked and removed.
Showing the removal of the glove box by pushing inwards on its sides to release stoppers and allow it to be unhooked.
- Dash Piece Behind Glove Box: Pull out the dash piece located behind where the glove box was. It is held by clips.
Pulling out the dash piece located directly behind where the glove box was situated, showing its clip-based removal.
- Remove Phillips Head Screws (Dash): Look for and remove various Phillips head screws that are now accessible around the dash area.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove several screws located around the dashboard area for further disassembly.
Continuing to remove additional Phillips head screws from various points around the dashboard for deeper access.
- Remove Speedometer Assembly: Pull the speedometer assembly away from the dash and disconnect it from its wiring harness.
Demonstrating the removal of the speedometer assembly by pulling it away from the dash and disconnecting its wiring harness.
Close-up view of the disconnected wiring harness from the speedometer assembly, ensuring it is safely removed.
- Remove Screws Behind Speedometer: Remove the two screws that were located behind the speedometer assembly.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that were previously hidden behind the speedometer assembly.
- Airbag Plugs and Bolts (Glove Box Area): Locate and remove the two airbag plugs and the three bolts that were behind the glove box area. Important Safety Note: Be extremely careful when working around airbag components. Ensure the battery is disconnected and avoid any static electricity to prevent accidental airbag deployment.
Showing the removal of airbag plugs and bolts located behind the glove box area, emphasizing caution around airbag components.
A closer view of the airbag plug removal process, highlighting the need for care when handling these safety-related components.
- Pillar Trim: Gently pull the pillar trim off. It is held by a combination of clips and twist-lock clips. First, pop the standard clips by pulling away from the pillar, then rotate the twist-lock clips 90 degrees to release them.
Demonstrating the removal of the pillar trim panel, highlighting the combination of standard clips and twist-lock clips.
A close-up view of a twist-lock clip on the pillar trim, showing how it needs to be rotated to release the panel.
- Remove Pillar Bolts: Remove the bolts on each side of the vehicle that were hidden behind the pillar trims.
Removing the bolts that were concealed behind the pillar trim panels on each side of the vehicle.
- Pull Out Top Dash: Carefully pull the entire top dash panel out. The passenger airbag will still be attached to the dash, so handle it with care. The entire dash assembly will come out together.
Demonstrating the removal of the entire top dash panel, cautioning about the attached passenger airbag needing careful handling.
The top dash panel completely removed from the vehicle, showing the extent of the interior disassembly.
9. Removing Vents and A/C Tubes
With the top dash removed, you can access the vents and A/C tubes.
- Remove Screws (Vents and A/C Tubes): Locate and remove the various Phillips head screws that secure the vents and A/C tubes to the dash frame.
Removing the Phillips head screws that secure the vents and A/C tubes to the dashboard frame for their removal.
Continuing to remove additional screws from the vents and A/C tubes to detach them from the dashboard structure.
Removing more screws to fully detach the vents and A/C tubes, allowing for their separate removal from the dash.
Continuing the process of removing screws to fully release the vents and A/C tubes from the dashboard assembly.
The last of the screws being removed to completely detach the vents and A/C tubes, preparing them for removal.
- Driver and Middle Vents: Once the screws are removed, the driver’s side vent and the middle vent assembly can be easily taken out from the back.
Demonstrating the removal of the driver’s and middle vents from behind the dashboard after screws are detached.
- Aluminum Trim (Vents): The aluminum trim pieces on the vents can be removed by releasing the clips around them and pulling the trim off.
Showing the removal of the aluminum trim from the vents by releasing the clips around the edges and pulling them off.
- Passenger Vent: The passenger side vent can be removed by releasing two clips and pulling the vent out from the back.
Removing the passenger side vent by releasing two clips and pulling it out from the back of the dashboard.
- Aluminum Trim (Passenger Vent): The aluminum trim on the passenger vent can be removed by lifting the clips and pulling the trim off the front.
Showing the removal of the aluminum trim from the passenger vent by lifting the clips and pulling the trim off the front.
10. Removing Steering Wheel Panels
Finally, let’s remove the panels around the steering wheel column.
- Pop Out Side Panels: Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the small panels on each side of the steering wheel plastic housing.
Using a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the small side panels on the steering wheel plastic housing.
- Release Locking Mechanism: You’ll see a small vertical rod visible from each side after removing the panels. Use a screwdriver to push this rod inwards, towards the opposite side. This will release a locking mechanism on both sides.
Demonstrating the release of the steering wheel locking mechanism by pushing a vertical rod inwards on each side.
- Pull Out Center Steering Wheel/Airbag: Gently pull the center section of the steering wheel outwards. This section contains the airbag. You can rest it on top of the steering wheel without fully disconnecting it, or carefully disconnect the airbag connector if needed for complete removal. Important Safety Note: If disconnecting the airbag, handle it with extreme care and ensure you have taken all necessary safety precautions, including static discharge prevention.
Pulling out the center section of the steering wheel, which contains the airbag, cautioning about handling airbag components.
Showing the center steering wheel/airbag section resting on top of the steering wheel after being pulled out, without full disconnection.
- Remove Screws (Center Steering Wheel): Remove the four Phillips head screws located in the center of the steering wheel.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws located in the center of the steering wheel for further disassembly.
- Cut Zip Tie and Disconnect Controls: Use scissors to carefully cut the zip tie that secures the wires going to the steering wheel controls. Disconnect the steering wheel control connectors.
Cutting the zip tie and disconnecting the steering wheel controls, preparing for the removal of steering wheel trim panels.
- Pull Out Side Steering Wheel Trims: Pull the side steering wheel trim pieces outwards. They are held by clips.
Pulling out the side steering wheel trim panels, demonstrating their clip-based attachment for removal.
- Turn Steering Wheel Upside Down: Turn the steering wheel upside down as far as it will lock.
Turning the steering wheel upside down and locking it to access a hidden screw for further trim removal.
- Locate and Remove Hidden Screw: Directly behind the lower steering wheel trim, push inwards on the plastic enough to reveal a hidden Phillips head screw. While holding the plastic pushed in, remove this screw.
Showing the location and removal of a hidden Phillips head screw behind the lower steering wheel trim, requiring plastic to be pushed in for access.
- Pull Out Middle Steering Wheel Trim: With the hidden screw removed, pull the middle steering wheel trim piece outwards away from the dash.
Pulling out the middle steering wheel trim panel after removing the hidden screw, showing its detachment from the dashboard.
- Remove Screws (Steering Wheel Controls): Remove the three small Phillips head screws holding the steering wheel controls to the steering wheel trim.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the small screws that hold the steering wheel controls to the steering wheel trim.
- Remove Controls: The steering wheel controls can now be taken out from the back of the trim panel.
Removing the steering wheel controls from the back of the trim panel, completing the disassembly of the steering wheel area.
Congratulations! You have now removed a significant portion of the interior trim from your 2013 Scion tC!
A collection of various interior trim panels removed from the Scion tC, showcasing the extent of the disassembly process.
Reassembly and Further Steps
To reassemble your interior, simply reverse these steps. Take your time and ensure all clips and screws are properly secured.
Before Modification/Repair:
The interior of the Scion tC before any trim panels are removed, showing the original state before disassembly.
During Modification/Repair (Example – Painting):
An example of the Scion tC interior during a modification process, in this case, painting the removed trim panels.
After Modification/Repair:
The Scion tC interior after the trim panels have been reassembled, showcasing the finished result after modification or repair.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of removing various interior trim panels in your 2013 Scion tC. Remember to work carefully, use the right tools, and prioritize safety, especially when dealing with airbags and electrical components. Good luck with your project!
