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2005-2010 Scion tC

How to upgrade the stereo system in your tC

2005 Scion tC liftback

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:

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.

scion tc Pioneer stereo

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.

scion tc radio mounting kit installed

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

MasterSheet image
With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

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.

scion tc front door speaker

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 i nthe scion tc

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.

scion tc factory tweeter

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.

scion tc rear side panel speakers

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.

scion tc rear speaker

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

scion tc factory sub

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.

weathertech custom floor liners

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.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 5/30/2023

    Robert, We can help with that. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
  • 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?

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 9/10/2021

    Josh, Not necessarily, but the sound will be a lot brighter, we'd imagine. Your best bet would be 5-1/4" component speakers (with separate woofers and tweeters), but there are also some 5-1/4" full-range speakers that will fit and work reasonably well with the stock tweeters. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • 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.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 12/21/2020

    Colby, That sounds like it might be a connection or wiring issue. The first step in troubleshooting is to check them again and make sure everything's secure. Good luck!
  • 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?

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 3/27/2020

    Nolan, With questions like that, it's always better to have a conversation with a real live human. Give us a call and talk to one of our advisors. We can help you choose the right gear and give you the right advice on how to install it.
  • 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.

    Commenter image

    Jon Paul from Crutchfield

    on 1/2/2020

    Jeanne, Repairing the stock radio could potentially cost more than replacing it. There are a couple of possible solutions, though, so I've sent your question to our sales team and someone will be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat. We'll help you figure out a solution!
  • Commenter image

    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?

  • Commenter image

    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?

  • Commenter image

    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.

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