For any car enthusiast or Scion tC owner looking to customize their ride or perform essential maintenance, understanding how to safely remove interior trim panels is a valuable skill. Whether you’re upgrading your audio system, installing aftermarket accessories, or simply need to access the OBD2 port for diagnostics, this guide will walk you through the process. While this guide covers a range of interior trim pieces, we’ll pay special attention to accessing the OBD2 port panel in your 2013 Scion tC.
Tools You’ll Need:
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth and damage-free trim removal process:
- Large Flat Head Screwdriver: For prying and releasing larger trim clips.
- Small Flat Head Screwdriver: Useful for smaller clips and tight spaces.
- Large Phillips Head Screwdriver: For removing larger Phillips head screws.
- Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: For smaller and more delicate screws.
- Small Ratchet with 10mm and 12mm sockets (or 10mm and 12mm wrenches): For removing bolts in certain areas.
- Medium Ratchet with Extensions and 10mm and 12mm sockets: For reaching bolts in deeper locations.
- Scissors or Wire Cutters: To carefully cut zip ties if necessary.
Important Safety Precautions:
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Disconnect the Battery: Before starting any electrical work on your vehicle, it’s crucial to disconnect the battery. Disconnect both the positive and negative terminals to prevent accidental shorts and ensure your safety. This step is critical, especially when dealing with components near airbags or sensitive electronics.
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Work in a Well-Lit Area: Ensure you have ample lighting to see clearly what you’re doing. This will help prevent mistakes and potential damage.
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Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to broken clips or damaged trim pieces. Work methodically and gently.
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Remember Clip Locations: Pay attention to where clips are located as you remove each trim piece. This will make reassembly much easier.
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Handle Trim Carefully: Interior trim is often made of plastic and can be scratched or broken easily. Handle each piece with care.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Interior Trim Panels and Accessing the OBD2 Port:
We’ll start with the driver’s side and work our way through various trim panels, including those needed to access the OBD2 port area.
1. Door Panel Trim Removal (Driver’s Side):
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Open the Driver’s Door: This provides access to the door panel trim.
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Locate the Slot: On the bottom of the door panel trim, you’ll find a small slot.
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Insert Large Flat Head Screwdriver: Gently insert the large flat head screwdriver into the slot.
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Pry Outward: Carefully pry outward to release the first clip. You should hear a pop as the clip disengages.
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Pull Trim Away: Once the first clip is released, gently but firmly pull the trim panel away from the door. Don’t be afraid to use a bit of force, as the clips are designed to hold securely. Work your way around the panel, releasing each clip.
2. Radio and Center Dash Trim Removal:
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Locate Radio Trim Edge: Find the edge of the trim surrounding the radio and center console.
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Insert Flat Head Screwdriver: Use the large flat head screwdriver and insert it under the edge of the radio trim.
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Pop the First Clip: Gently pry outward to pop the first clip, similar to the door panel.
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Pull Trim Panel Away: Once the first clip is released, pull the radio trim panel away from the dash. Again, clips hold this panel in place, so firm but careful pulling is needed.
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Disconnect Clock/Security Indicator: Once the radio trim is loose, you’ll see a connector for the clock/security indicator. Unplug this connector carefully.
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Remove LCD and Screen (Optional): If needed for further access, the LCD screen can be removed from the radio trim by gently pulling it away from its clips.
3. Glove Box Upper Dash Trim Removal:
- Open the Glove Box: This provides access to the trim piece above it.
- Pull Outward: Reach above the open glove box and gently pull the dash trim piece directly outward. This piece is held in place by clips.
4. Mirror Control Trim Removal:
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Locate Mirror Control Trim: This is the trim piece on the driver’s side dash, near the door, that houses the mirror control buttons.
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Insert Flat Head Screwdriver: Place the flat head screwdriver behind the mirror control trim.
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Pop First Clip: Gently pull outward to pop the initial clip.
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Pull Out Mirror Control Trim: Once the first clip is released, pull the rest of the mirror control trim panel out.
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Disconnect Connectors: Unplug the electrical connectors from the back of the mirror control trim. The number of plugs may vary depending on your car’s options (fog lights, Bluetooth, etc.).
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Remove Mirror Control Buttons (Optional): If needed, you can remove the mirror control buttons from the trim piece by pressing in the clips on each side and pushing the buttons out from the front.
5. Speedometer and Steering Column Trim Removal (Accessing OBD2 Port Area):
This section is crucial for accessing the OBD2 port panel area. The OBD2 port in the 2013 Scion tC is typically located beneath the steering column, often integrated into a lower dash panel. Removing the steering column trim and surrounding dash pieces will provide access.
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Tilt and Extend Steering Wheel: Tilt the steering wheel all the way down and pull it towards you as far as it extends. This gives you more room to work.
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Pull Out Speedometer Trim: The trim piece surrounding the speedometer is held by clips. Gently pull it straight out away from the dash.
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Remove Screws (Speedometer Trim): Once the speedometer trim is loose, you’ll see two Phillips head screws at the top. Remove these screws.
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Remove Aluminum Trim (Speedometer Trim – Optional): If you need to separate the aluminum trim from the speedometer trim, you can gently pry it off using your fingernails or a flat head screwdriver to release the clips.
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Dash Piece Between Steering Wheel and 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 has a push-start button, disconnect it from the back of this trim piece after removal. This panel is often part of the OBD2 port panel or provides direct access to it.
At this point, you should have clear access to the OBD2 port. It’s usually located on the lower edge of the dash, often as part of a small panel near where this trim piece was removed. You may not need to remove the OBD2 port panel itself for diagnostics, but if removal is necessary for a specific modification or repair, examine the panel closely for screws or clips holding it in place. They are usually easily accessible now.
Continuing with other Trim Panels (Optional, for more extensive interior work):
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Passenger Side Kick Panel: Pull out the passenger side kick panel. It’s held by clips and pulls directly away from the dash.
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USB/Stick Trim Panel: Pull out the trim panel that houses the USB port and potentially the traction control button. This panel is also clip-mounted.
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Disconnect USB and Traction Control Plugs: Reach behind the USB/Stick trim panel and disconnect the electrical connectors.
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Aluminum Stick Trim (USB Panel – Optional): The aluminum trim on this panel can be pulled off if needed.
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Shifter Trim Removal:
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Twist Off Shifter Knob: Twist and remove the shifter knob.
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Pull Off Shifter Trim: The shifter trim panel is held to the shifter base by clips. Simply pull it upward to remove it.
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Cigarette Lighter Trim Panel: Pull out the dash piece that holds the cigarette lighter. It’s held by clips. You can disconnect the lighter connector or let it hang to the side.
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A/C Gauge Assembly Removal: Pull the A/C gauge assembly out from the dash. It’s held by clips.
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Remove A/C Gauges (Optional): The individual A/C gauges can be removed from the assembly by releasing clips on each side.
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Remove Trim from Gauges (Optional): The trim rings around the gauges can also be removed by releasing clips.
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Glove Box Removal: Open the glove box fully, then push inwards on each side to release the stops. It will then drop down further and can be unhooked and removed.
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Dash Piece Behind Glove Box: Pull out the dash piece located behind where the glove box was. It’s also clip-mounted.
(Further dash and steering wheel disassembly steps are detailed in the original article for more extensive trim removal, but are generally not needed just to access the OBD2 port. Refer to the original article images and instructions for these advanced steps if required.)
Reassembly:
To reassemble your interior, simply reverse the removal steps. Take your time, ensure all clips are properly aligned, and all screws are tightened.
Conclusion:
Removing interior trim panels on your 2013 Scion tC, including accessing the OBD2 port panel, is a straightforward process when done carefully. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can confidently tackle various car customization and maintenance tasks. Remember to prioritize safety by disconnecting the battery and working methodically to avoid damage. Enjoy your customized Scion tC!
