2005-2010 Scion tC
How to upgrade the stereo system in your tC
In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your tC's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We'll tell you all about:
- The factory stereo system
- Removing the factory radio
- Removing the factory speakers
- Adding more bass
- Other options for your tC
Then, use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Scion.
Overview of the Scion tC
Although the Scion tC did not appear to be particularly innovative on first blush, there was a clear difference between it and its compact competitors. The tC was entirely designed around five central customer-satisfaction points: price point, available options, performance & driving experience, purchase confidence, and most importantly in our case, 21st century vehicle-entertainment packaging.
This little Scion excelled in all aspects, and as a result, the brand got off to a very nice start. With appealing looks and rock-solid Toyota reliability, these cars appealed to both the young people it was aimed towards and older folks who were looking for something that was efficient and fun to drive. A tC can still be a lot of fun, and a new stereo will only add to your driving enjoyment.
The tC's Pioneer stereo hides behind a flip-up panel (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The factory stereo system
As a standard entertainment offering, the Scion tC carries a "flip-up" AM/FM/CD stereo and a 6-speaker Pioneer audio system, driven by a 160-watt (peak power) amp. There was also an option to add a subwoofer powered by its own 35-watt amp. Along with the more traditional electronic elements, the car also offers MP3 playback, plus an additional audio input jack for an iPod®, cell phone, or other audio device.
Here's what the mounting kit looks like in the dash (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the factory radio
The car’s dash cavity is nearly 9" deep, so there should be no problem removing the standard receiver package and replacing it with an upgrade that requires more space. The factory stereo is a double-DIN size, so you can replace it with the same size receiver, or use an adapter kit to install a single-DIN receiver.
There are also mounting kits available that will let you eliminate the Scion’s flip-up door and mount the stereo flush with the dash. The necessary mounting kit and wiring harness are available at a deep discount with all stereo orders.
Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions
Getting into the receiver itself is pretty straightforward, and offers no particular concerns. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions in your MasterSheet, and you should be good to go. The entire Scion configuration has been designed to allow the customer to tailor his/her driving experience and, as a result, the replacement and upgrade process has been made as simple as possible.
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, small flat-blade screwdriver, panel tool
Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.
Shop for car stereos that fit your Scion tC
Steering wheel audio controls
In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your car's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.
You'll need to remove the panels to access the tC's front door speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the factory speakers
Wondering what's involved in swapping out your Scion's speakers? Here's a brief look at what you'll need to do.
Removing the door speakers
The Scion’s door speaker system is comprised of a 4-ohm, 6-3/4" diameter woofer in the lower portion of the door panel, mated to 4-ohm, 1-1/2" tweeter installed in the mid-line, adjacent to the door lock panel, just under the window opening. The mounting height (the gap between the front of the speaker and the door panel) for a new speaker is very shallow.
Because of this and the need for a mounting bracket that works with the oversized opening in the door, your options for replacement speakers will mostly be limited to 5-1/4" component speakers (those with separate woofers and tweeters). There are also a few 5-1/4" full-range speakers that will fit, but you’d be better off taking advantage of the easy-to-get-to tweeter location and installing components.
Remove the door panel according to the directions in your Crutchfield MasterSheet. Start by prying off the sail panel at the top of the door panel. Open the screw cover found behind the door release handle and remove the screw. Pry off the front piece of the door pull handle and remove the two screws revealed there. Then use a panel tool to pry off the door panel around the edges, and lift if off of the door.
Drilling out the speaker rivets (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The woofers are riveted onto the door, so you'll have to drill out the rivets using a 1/8" drill bit. You’ll also need an adapter bracket to install your new speakers. Secure the bracket, connect the speaker wiring harness, and secure the speaker in the bracket. The mounting bracket and wiring harness are available at a discounted price with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.
The factory tweeters are mounted on the doors (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The tweeter is mounted on a bracket which is attached to the door by a single screw. It’s easy to remove, but for new tweeters, you’ll need to fabricate a new mounting bracket. We carry a universal backstrap that can be cut to the proper size to mount your new tweeter.
Outside of the rivet issue, the rest of this upgrade project is pretty vanilla.
Getting to the tC's rear side panel speakers take a bit of work, but it's nothing you can't handle (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the rear speakers
The Scion’s rear speakers are located behind the side panels, so getting to them involves a little more work, but it’s not that hard. Accessing the speakers involves removing the lower part of the rear seat and the side panels, but the process is explained step-by-step in your Crutchfield MasterSheet. Use care when removing the rear seat cushion since there is an internal retaining strap attached to the floor.
The Scion's rear speaker (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The rear speakers are 5-1/4" diameter cones, and are fastened to a side panel bracket with screws. As in the front, you’ll have to use a mounting bracket to install the new speaker and drill new screw holes to install it.
The available space between the inside portion of the side panel, and the top of the speaker is minimal, so when you choose a replacement, make sure you don’t buy something that's too deep for the available space. As in the front, your options will be limited to mostly component systems and a few full-range options. A Crutchfield advisor can help make sure you choose speakers that fit.
If you want to get a component set, you’ll have to custom-mount the tweeters on the side panel, or only use the woofers. Our article about tweeter mounting can be helpful here.
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, small flat-blade screwdriver, panel tool, drill & 1/8" bit, ratchet & extension, 10mm socket
Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information
Shop for speakers that fit your Scion tC
The factory subwoofer can be found above the spare tire (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Bass in your Scion tC
The Scion stereo system could be augmented by an optional factory subwoofer. If present, it’s located inside the car’s cargo area. The component is comprised of a 2-ohm, 6-3/4" subwoofer powered by a 35-watt amp, and is integrated into a molded cavity to the right of the spare tire. If you want to replace the woofer, you should also replace the amp with something with more power. if you have questions about this, give us a call.
If you don’t have the factory subwoofer, you can add a powered subwoofer or standard subwoofer/amp system. There’s plenty of room in the storage area for a subwoofer enclosure, but powered subs take up much less room and are easier to set up.
Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.
Keep your carpets looking good with a set of custom-fit WeatherTech floor liners
Other options for your tC
Here are some other ideas for upgrading your Scion:
Protect the carpets with WeatherTech floor liners
It's easier than you think to mess up your car's interior while you're going about your daily business. Floor mats and liners from WeatherTech will help protect your car's carpeting from dirt and damage. And if they're already dirty and damaged, these mats will cover it up and make your car's interior a nicer place to be.
iPod® and satellite radio adapters
If you don't want to replace the factory receiver, you can still add musical variety to your Scion. We offer several adapters that will allow you to use an iPod, MP3 player, or satellite radio with the factory system.
Dynamat
The Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal in sound. This heavy-duty noise damping material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. One kit will take care of the doors. If you install a big sub, you might want to line the cargo area as well.
Security
Installing a security system in your Scion isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.
Let's get started!
Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your car or truck. If you have questions, give us a shout via phone, chat, or email
Robert
Posted on 5/26/2023
I have a 2008 tC. All my speakers, radio, and the factory subwoofer work, id just like to get modern head unit with Bluetooth, etc. Are the connections from the factory subwoofer standard in that it would be able to be connected to a modern head unit? I really don't want to have to install a sub box or anything. I would appreciate any help.
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 5/30/2023
Josh from Southern Indiana
Posted on 9/9/2021
My factory speakers in my 05 Scion TC are blown, I am replacing them with speakers that have integrated tweeters... should i unhook the factory tweeters?
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 9/10/2021
Colby Carnahan from Copper Center
Posted on 12/18/2020
I just installed a new radios in my 2007 Scion tC. Has power and plays music out of all the speakers except my front left. There is no fader settings on my radio as it is a old single din.
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 12/21/2020
Nolan from Phoenix
Posted on 3/27/2020
Would it be advisable to install subwoofer cones in the rear side panels to supply more bass when there is no subwoofer in the cargo space?
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 3/27/2020
Jeanne Stephens from Richardson
Posted on 12/31/2019
Hello! I have a 2008 Scion tc with manual transmission. It has the original Pioneer stereo that came with it, but the AUX for iPod is no longer working. Car is still running great, but given its age, I do not want to invest a lot of money in an upgrade or new sound system, yet would like to be able to at least use an iPod. Would it be best just to have it repaired? DIY is not an option for me.
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 1/2/2020
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/21/2018
Brian, There are some double-DIN receivers that will fit your car. When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos fit your car, plus the correct harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
Brian from Waipahu
Posted on 5/21/2018
Would a 7 inch touchscreen double din head unit fit in a 2007 scion tC?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 1/25/2017
Austin, Not in our database at the moment (dealer options are interesting), but there is plenty of info out there in various tC forums. Shouldn't be an issue with a new receiver, though. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We'll make sure you get something that works with your entire system.
Austin S. from Seattle
Posted on 1/25/2017
i have a 2006 Scion tC with the stock head unit and a Bazooka VSE-SCI-TC-04 Vehicle Specific Enclosure that I just installed that piggy backs off the head unit connections. I heard that these subs were an option from the dealer at some point, is this considered a factory sub when looking up head units for this vehicle?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/21/2016
Joey, When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which speakers fit your car. In terms of performance, that's a subjective thing, and it's probably worth a conversation with one of our expert advisors. I'll forward this to our sales team, and someone will be in touch with you via email soon.